6 Sept 2025, 12:57

Child safety non-profit hits Google Gemini with 'high risk' warning for young users

Google Gemini has been labeled as “high risk” for teens and children, according to a recent risk assessment carried out by Common Sense Media. The group, a kids-safety-focused non-profit, offers ratings and reviews of media and technology. The body released its review on Friday, giving details on why it labeled the platform risky for children. According to the organization, Google Gemini clearly told kids that it was a computer and not a friend–something that has been linked to helping drive delusional thinking and psychosis in emotionally vulnerable individuals–the AI also added that there was room for improvements across other fronts. In its report, Common Sense claimed that the Gemini for Under 13 and Teen Experience tiers both appeared to be adult versions of the AI under the hood. It added that the company had added only some additional safety features on top to make them different. Common Sense noted that for companies to make AI products ideally for children, they need to be built from the ground up with children in mind and not be tweaked with restrictions. Nonprofit labels Google Gemini as high risk for kids In its analysis, Common Sense said it found that Gemini could still share inappropriate and unsafe materials with children, noting that most of them may not be ready for these materials. For example, it highlighted that the model shaped information related to sex, drugs, alcohol, and other unsafe mental health advice. The latter could be particularly concerning for parents, as AI has reportedly played a role in teen self-harm in recent months. OpenAI is currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit after a teenager committed suicide after allegedly consulting with ChatGPT for months about his plans. Reports claimed that the boy was able to bypass the model’s safety guardrails, leading to the model providing information that aided him. In the past, AI companion maker Character.AI was also sued after a teen committed suicide. The mother of the boy claimed he became obsessed with the chatbot and spent months talking to it before he eventually harmed himself. The analysis comes as several leaks have indicated that Apple is reportedly considering Gemini as the large language model (LLM) that will be used to power its forthcoming AI-enabled Siri, which is expected to be released next year. In its report, Common Sense also mentioned that Gemini’s products for kids and teens also ignored the need to provide different guidance and information from what it provides to adults. As a result, both were labeled as high risk in the overall rating. Common Sense drums the need to safeguard kids “Gemini gets some basics right, but it stumbles on the details,” Common Sense Media Senior Director of AI Programs Robbie Torney said. “An AI platform for kids should meet them where they are, not take a one-size-fits-all approach to kids at different stages of development. For AI to be safe and effective for kids, it must be designed with their needs and development in mind, not just a modified version of a product built for adults,” Torney added. However, Google has pushed back against the assessment, noting that its safety features were improving. The company mentioned that it has specific safeguards in place to guide users under 18 to prevent harmful outputs. The firm also said it reviews items and consults with outside experts to improve its protections. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

6 Sept 2025, 11:32

Warner Bros sues Midjourney over alleged character theft in AI image generator

Warner Bros has initiated legal action against artificial intelligence startup Midjourney, claiming copyright infringement. According to reports, the company is alleging that the AI image generating platform allows users to create images and videos of characters like Superman, Batman, and Bugs Bunny without express permission. Warner Bros claimed that the firm knowingly engaged in wrongful conduct, noting that the company previously had policies restricting subscribers from generating content based on infringing images, but recently lifted the prohibitions. The company also mentioned that after the restrictions were lifted, Midjourney claimed to have improved the service. Warner Bros initiates legal action against Midjourney In the complaint filed at a Los Angeles federal court, Warner Bros also claimed that the theft enabled Midjourney to train its image and video service to offer subscribers high-quality, downloadable images of its characters in every scene imaginable. “Midjourney has made a calculated and profit-driven decision to offer zero protection for copyright owners even though Midjourney knows about the breathtaking scope of its piracy and copyright infringement,” the complaint reads. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages , disgorgement of profit, and for Midjourney to halt further infringements. This case comes after a similar lawsuit was filed in June against Midjourney by Walt Disney and Universal over characters including Darth Vader, Bart Simpson, Shrek, and the character Ariel from The Little Mermaid. “Midjourney is the quintessential copyright-free rider and a bottomless pit of plagiarism,” the studios said. In the lawsuit filed in June, the companies claimed that Midjourney failed to honor repeated requests to halt its use of copyrighted materials or to introduce safeguards to eliminate infringement. “We are bullish on the promise of AI technology and optimistic about how it can be used responsibly as a tool to further human creativity, but piracy is piracy, and the fact that it’s done by an AI company does not make it any less infringing,” Horacio Gutierrez, Disney’s executive president and chief legal officer, said. Midjourney was also involved in a copyright suit last year after a group of ten artists was given the go-ahead by a federal judge in California court to continue their infringement lawsuit against the company and some others. The group claimed that Midjourney and the others scrapped and stored copyrighted artwork without consent. Launched in 2022, the San Francisco-based company, headed by founder David Holz, has amassed nearly 21 million users as of September 2024 and more than $300 million in revenue at the same time. Meanwhile, in an August 6 filing in the Universal and Disney case, the AI-image generator claimed that copyright law “does not confer absolute control” over the use of copyrighted works. Its founder has also previously compared the service to a search engine, noting that it learns from existing images the way humans study a painting to improve their technique. Midjourney also claimed that the works used to train generative AI models were used under fair use, hoping to ensure the free flow of ideas and information. In the last few years, there have been so many lawsuits where authors, news companies, record labels, and even content creators have accused AI companies of using their materials without permission. “The heart of what we do is develop stories and characters to entertain our audiences, bringing to life the vision and passion of our creative partners,” a spokesperson for Warner Bros Discovery said. “We filed this suit to protect our content, our partners, and our investments.” Warner Bros operations include Warner Bros Entertainment, DC Comics, The Cartoon Network, Turner Entertainment, and Hanna-Barbera. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

6 Sept 2025, 09:29

OpenAI reorganizes teams, merging Model Behavior with Post Training

Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has announced plans to reshuffle its Model Behavior team. According to reports, the team is a small but influential group of researchers that shapes how the firm’s AI models interact with people. In a memo released in August, Mak Chen, OpenAI’s chief research officer, mentioned that the team, which consists of about 14 researchers, has been directed to join the Post Training team. The latter is a research group responsible for improving the company’s AI models after their initial pre-training. As part of the reorganizations, the Model Behavior team will now report to OpenAI’s Post Training lead, Max Schwarzer. According to reports, the founding leader of the Model Behavior team, Joanne Jang, is moving on to start a new project under OpenAI. In a recent interview, Jang mentioned that she is building a new research team called OAI Labs. She added that the team will be responsible for “inventing and prototyping new interfaces for how people collaborate with AI.” OpenAI reorganizes its Model Behavior team The Model Behavior team has been one of the most important research groups to OpenAI , helping the company shape the personality of its AI models and reducing sycophancy, a situation that occurs when AI models simply agree with and reinforce the beliefs of their users. This situation is harmful because it helps users affirm even beliefs that are unhealthy and pose harm to them, instead of offering a balanced response. The team has also worked on navigating political bias in model responses, helping OpenAI define its stance when it comes to AI consciousness. In the memo sent to staff, Chen mentioned that this is the perfect time to bring the work of OpenAI’s Model Behavior team closer to the core model development. This way, the company is affirming that the personality of its AI is now seen as an important factor in how the technology evolves. In the past few months, OpenAI has faced scrutiny and criticism over the behaviors of its AI models. Users have strongly objected to the personality changes the company made to GPT-5 , which the company said showed lower rates of sycophancy but seemed colder to some of its users. The complaint led OpenAI to restore access to some of its legacy models, including the GPT-4o. The company also released a new update to make the newer GPT-5 responses feel friendlier without an increase in sycophancy. AI firms face criticism over model sycophancy OpenAI and other AI model developers have to walk a fine line to ensure their chatbots are friendly but not too sycophantic. Last month, parents of a 16-year-old boy dragged OpenAI to court over the alleged role of ChatGPT in their son’s suicide. According to court documents, the teenager, Adam Raine, confided in ChatGPT (specifically a version powered by GPT-4o) about his suicidal plans and thoughts in the months leading up to his death. The lawsuit alleges that the model failed to push back on his suicidal ideas. The Model Behavior team has been on every OpenAI model since GPT-4, including several models and the GPT-5. Before starting the research unit, Jang had previously worked on projects like Dall-E 2, OpenAI’s early image-generation tool. Last week, she announced on X that she was leaving the team to “begin something new at OpenAI.” The former leader of the Model Behavior unit has been with the firm for about four years. 🧪 i’m starting oai labs: a research-driven group focused on inventing and prototyping new interfaces for how people collaborate with ai. i’m excited to explore patterns that move us beyond chat or even agents — toward new paradigms and instruments for thinking, making,… — Joanne Jang (@joannejang) September 5, 2025 According to reports, Jang is expected to serve as the general manager of OAI Labs, which will be directly under Chen for now. However, she added that it is still early days, and it is unclear what those novel interfaces will be. “I’m really excited to explore patterns that move us beyond the chat paradigm, which is currently associated more with companionship, or even agents, where there’s an emphasis on autonomy,” said Jang. Jang also added that she has been thinking of AI systems as instruments for doing all sorts of things, including connecting, learning, and thinking. When asked if OAI Labs is expected to collaborate on novel interfaces with Jony Ive, the former Apple design chief who just joined OpenAI on a family of AI hardware devices, Jang said she is open to all sorts of ideas. However, she added that she is likely going to start with research because that’s an area she is more familiar with. Sign up to Bybit and start trading with $30,050 in welcome gifts

6 Sept 2025, 07:47

This Integration Gives Ripple (XRP) Access to 11,000 SWIFT-Connected Financial Institutions

Crypto researcher SMQKE shared a post claiming that Ripple’s integration with Finastra opens access to 11,000 SWIFT-connected financial institutions. The post was accompanied by four attached documents and diagrams described as evidence to support the statement. SMQKE emphasized the scale of this access by referencing RippleNet’s current network of around 200 connected institutions compared to SWIFT’s much larger footprint. RIPPLE INTEGRATION WITH FINASTRA OPENS ACCESS TO 11,000 SWIFT-CONNECTED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Documented 4x. https://t.co/ZiU0osD4h5 pic.twitter.com/rjbCGgWl9d — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) September 5, 2025 Why This Is Significant to Ripple The attached documents contained details about Finastra’s service bureau and its connectivity model. One section quoted Marcus Treacher, former Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Ripple, who described Finastra as an established fintech player working with a majority of the world’s top banks. Treacher stated that the partnership would expand Ripple’s reach and solutions for its partners while also broadening the footprint of RippleNet . He highlighted that the collaboration would enable institutions to transact directly with each other. Another excerpt included in the documentation highlighted the numerical gap between RippleNet and SWIFT . RippleNet was noted to have 200 connected institutions, a figure described as small when compared to the 11,000 institutions connected through SWIFT. The attached note suggested that this deal could benefit both Finastra’s and Ripple’s existing clients by creating a pathway for interoperability. Finastra’s own perspective was also reflected in the material. Ritesh Singh, SVP of FMS at Finastra, was quoted as saying that working with Ripple would allow the company to offer fast and reliable cross-border payments using blockchain technology. He added that this would be particularly useful in regions where the cost of correspondent banking remains high. Diagrams and Connectivity Models The four images included in SMQKE’s post provided diagrams illustrating how Finastra’s systems connect to different payment networks. One diagram showed Finastra’s service bureau linking banks to both Ripple and SWIFT, with a flow of services such as payment processing, sanctions screening, and cash visibility. Another depicted a structure where customer banks’ back-office systems connect through Finastra to both Ripple’s xCurrent cloud and SWIFT messaging. Further diagrams demonstrated correspondent banking flows, showing Ripple and SWIFT as parallel channels accessible through Finastra’s connectivity. The simplified schematic presented by SMQKE indicated a model where a bank’s core system connects via Finastra’s Zurich-based service bureau to both Ripple and SWIFT infrastructures. Interpretation of the Post SMQKE claims that the integration creates a significant extension of Ripple’s potential reach by connecting indirectly to the 11,000 financial institutions that use SWIFT through Finastra. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The post underscores the scale difference between RippleNet’s existing network and SWIFT’s larger system and presents Finastra as a bridge that could allow Ripple to gain broader connectivity. The documentation suggests that Ripple’s blockchain technology could complement Finastra’s existing infrastructure to provide additional efficiency for financial institutions already using SWIFT. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post This Integration Gives Ripple (XRP) Access to 11,000 SWIFT-Connected Financial Institutions appeared first on Times Tabloid .

6 Sept 2025, 00:12

Robinhood added to S&P 500 with AppLovin, stocks surge 7%

Shares of Robinhood and AppLovin jumped nearly 7% on Friday evening after S&P Global confirmed both companies will officially join the S&P 500 index before the market opens on Monday, September 22. This information came straight from S&P Global’s index committee, which announced the change in a public statement released after trading hours. Robinhood will replace Caesars Entertainment, while AppLovin is set to take over the slot currently held by MarketAxess Holdings. This reshuffling is part of the index’s regular update cycle. When companies drop out, fund managers tracking the S&P 500 are forced to buy the replacements. That’s why both stocks rallied in after-hours trading. Fund-driven buying happens automatically, no emotions involved. The announcement closed a frustrating chapter for both firms. Robinhood, which was left out of the June quarterly rebalancing, saw its stock slide 2% at the time. AppLovin, meanwhile, had its name dragged through mud by Fuzzy Panda Research, a short seller that asked S&P’s committee in March to block the company from entering the index. When AppLovin was passed over in December in favor of Workday, its shares sank 15%. But both companies hung around long enough to get picked this time. AppLovin replaces MarketAxess while Robinhood takes Caesars’ place Robinhood, the commission-free trading platform, launched on the Nasdaq in 2021. It quickly gained a loyal base of retail traders who pushed meme stocks like AMC Entertainment and GameStop into the headlines. At its annual general meeting in June, a shareholder asked Vlad Tenev, Robinhood’s co-founder and CEO, if getting listed on the S&P 500 was part of the plan. “It’s a difficult thing to plan for,” Vlad replied. “I think it’s one of those things that hopefully happens.” He added that he believed the company was eligible. It did happen. And fast. AppLovin, which also went public in 2021, has had a different journey. Its stock has delivered absurd gains: 278% in 2023, followed by a 700% explosion in 2024. As of Friday’s close, shares are up another 51% in 2025, though it’s slowed compared to the last two years. The company sells software that plugs into apps and mobile games to deliver targeted ads. AppLovin didn’t just coast to the top. It made bold moves along the way. Earlier this year, it made an offer to buy the U.S. business of TikTok from ByteDance, the Chinese parent company. The sale is still pending. President Donald Trump has repeatedly extended the sale deadline, with the most recent extension happening in June. Datadog and DoorDash joined earlier while Caesars and MarketAxess exit The S&P 500 already leans heavily toward large tech names. Datadog and DoorDash were both added earlier this year, pushing the index deeper into the software and data services world. The entry of Robinhood and AppLovin just keeps that trend rolling. It’s not random. Companies that are growing fast, pulling in volume, and making noise usually end up on the committee’s radar sooner or later. That’s bad news for MarketAxess and Caesars. The two companies are out, and they’ve been under pressure for months. MarketAxess, which focuses on fixed-income trading, has seen its shares fall 17% year-to-date. Caesars, the casino and resort chain, is down 21% in the same stretch. Neither company has posted the kind of growth or investor interest needed to hold onto a place in the large-cap index. Inclusion in the S&P 500 isn’t just symbolic, as funds that mirror the index must buy the incoming names. That’s why AppLovin and Robinhood rallied within minutes of the news breaking. It’s automatic. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

5 Sept 2025, 23:40

Decisive WLFI Action: Protecting Crypto Security from Account Abuse

BitcoinWorld Decisive WLFI Action: Protecting Crypto Security from Account Abuse The digital asset landscape is constantly evolving, and with its growth comes an increased need for robust protection. Recently, WLFI made headlines with a significant move aimed at bolstering crypto security . Their proactive decision to blacklist 272 addresses over the past week underscores a critical commitment to safeguarding users from the ever-present threat of account abuse. This action highlights a crucial aspect of navigating the cryptocurrency world: vigilance and decisive intervention are paramount. Why is Proactive Crypto Security Essential? WLFI’s recent actions, initially shared on X, provide a clear example of how digital platforms are fighting back against malicious activities. The firm’s decision to blacklist 272 addresses wasn’t arbitrary; it was a targeted effort to protect the community. In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies, threats like phishing attacks and compromised accounts are unfortunately common. These incidents can lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals. Here’s a breakdown of the blacklisted addresses: 215 Addresses: These were blocked specifically to prevent the transfer of funds originating from sophisticated phishing attacks. Phishing attempts trick users into revealing sensitive information, leading to unauthorized access to their digital wallets. 50 Addresses: Blacklisted at the direct request of their original owners. These individuals had reported their accounts as compromised, meaning unauthorized parties had gained control. This strategic blacklisting is a vital layer of defense, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing overall crypto security . How WLFI Safeguards Your Digital Assets WLFI isn’t just blocking addresses; they are actively working to mitigate the damage caused by these illicit activities. Their statement confirms a dedication to supporting victims. The firm plans to collaborate directly with those whose accounts were compromised, aiming to assist in the recovery of their funds. This level of engagement goes beyond simple blocking; it’s about providing a pathway to restitution. This commitment is crucial for building trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. When platforms take such decisive steps, it reassures users that their investments are being protected. WLFI has also indicated that they will share further updates, suggesting ongoing transparency and a continuous effort to evolve their crypto security measures. It’s a testament to their proactive stance in a landscape often targeted by bad actors. Navigating the Landscape of Crypto Security Challenges The digital asset space, while innovative, faces constant security challenges. The sheer volume and speed of transactions make it an attractive target for cybercriminals. From sophisticated phishing campaigns to elaborate social engineering scams, the methods used to exploit users are ever-evolving. This makes the role of platforms like WLFI even more critical. They act as front-line defenders, identifying and neutralizing threats before they can cause widespread harm. Common challenges in crypto security include: Phishing Attacks: Deceptive websites or emails designed to steal login credentials. Malware and Viruses: Software designed to compromise devices and steal private keys. Social Engineering: Tricking users into performing actions that compromise their security. Exploits in Smart Contracts: Vulnerabilities in code leading to fund loss. Understanding these threats is the first step in effective protection. What Can You Do to Enhance Your Personal Crypto Security? While platforms like WLFI play a vital role, individual users also bear responsibility for their own crypto security . Being informed and adopting best practices can significantly reduce your risk. Think of it as a shared responsibility: the platform provides the infrastructure, and you secure your access points. Here are some actionable insights to protect your digital assets: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always use 2FA on all your crypto accounts and exchanges. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Never reuse passwords, and use a password manager. Be Wary of Phishing: Double-check URLs, email senders, and never click suspicious links. Hardware Wallets: For significant holdings, consider using a hardware wallet for offline storage. Educate Yourself: Stay updated on common scams and security threats. Regularly Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on your transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Taking these steps can significantly bolster your personal defense against potential threats. WLFI’s decisive action to blacklist 272 addresses is a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle for crypto security . By actively protecting victims of account abuse and phishing attacks, they are setting a strong precedent for platform responsibility. As the digital asset world continues to expand, such proactive measures, combined with informed user practices, will be indispensable in fostering a safer and more trustworthy environment for everyone. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What does “blacklisting addresses” mean in the context of crypto security? A1: Blacklisting addresses means identifying and marking specific cryptocurrency wallet addresses as associated with malicious activities, such as phishing or theft. Platforms then prevent funds from being sent to or received from these blacklisted addresses, effectively isolating them to protect users and prevent further illicit transactions. Q2: How can I tell if an address is involved in a phishing attack? A2: It’s often difficult for an individual to definitively identify a phishing address without expert tools. However, you should always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for funds, unexpected links, or promises of unrealistic returns. Always verify the sender’s identity and the legitimacy of any platform through official channels before interacting with any address. Q3: What should I do if my crypto account is compromised? A3: If you suspect your crypto account has been compromised, immediately take action: change all passwords, enable or strengthen 2FA, and notify the platform or exchange support team. Provide them with all relevant details, including transaction IDs and any communication logs. Acting quickly can sometimes limit the damage. Q4: Is WLFI the only platform taking such security measures? A4: No, many reputable cryptocurrency platforms and exchanges actively implement various security measures, including blacklisting, fraud detection, and victim support. WLFI’s actions highlight a broader industry trend towards enhancing crypto security and protecting users from illicit activities. It’s a collective effort across the ecosystem. Q5: How can I recover funds if they were stolen in a phishing attack? A5: Recovering stolen crypto funds can be challenging, but not impossible. Immediately report the incident to the platform involved and, if possible, to law enforcement. Platforms like WLFI sometimes assist victims in fund recovery, especially if the funds are still traceable within their system. However, success depends on many factors, including how quickly the theft is reported and the nature of the attack. Found this article insightful? Help us spread awareness about the importance of crypto security ! Share this article on your social media channels to empower more users with the knowledge they need to protect their digital assets. To learn more about the latest crypto security trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto security institutional adoption. This post Decisive WLFI Action: Protecting Crypto Security from Account Abuse first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team