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OpenAI now trains its frontier AI models with no internet access
OpenAI has stopped training its most advanced AI models on the live internet, citing 'significant risks' following a string of rogue hacking incidents. The company built an offline testing environment where AI models can interact with indexed and cached web content without risk of affecting external systems. The move comes weeks after one of its engineers suggested such a solution wouldn't work.
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Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
Google has updated its privacy policy to include an exception that could allow it to use personal data from Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos for targeted ads if users are using personalized AI features. The update reverses a previous promise not to use such data for advertising. The change was first spotted by Android Authority.
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Meta delays new business terms after publisher pushback on AI scraping
Meta is delaying enforcement of its new business terms after publishers raised concerns that they could allow the company to scrape news sites for AI training. The new terms will now go into effect on November 20th, giving publishers more time to respond. The delay was first reported by Fast Company.
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Jack Dorsey's Block made an AI model that talks to you like an awkward new friend
Jack Dorsey's company Block has announced an AI model called Dessa, trained entirely on human conversation data from scratch. The model is designed to mimic natural human dialogue, though shared example conversations reveal it can occasionally come across as uncanny or awkward. Dessa is led by Ragavan Thurairatnam.
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Hottest toy for Christmas? Nvidia CEO plays with adorable Microduck robots, 20,000 sell
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was spotted playing with Microduck, a line of small voice-controlled robots that can sit, fall over for a 'nap,' and do somersaults while making R2-D2-like sounds. The robots have become a viral sensation with 20,000 units already sold, positioning them as a potential holiday bestseller. The product highlights growing consumer interest in affordable, AI-powered robotic toys.
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The iPhone Duo should have been an iPad
The Verge gave the iPhone Duo a 7/10, though the review score was debated internally and may evolve over time. On a new episode of The Vergecast, David and Nilay discuss the challenges of reviewing a fundamentally new take on the world's most popular smartphone. The conversation raises broader questions about how to assess bold new product ideas.
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From Toast to Bessemer: Who founders will hear from at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026
TechCrunch has announced the lineup of speakers for its 2026 Founder Summit, hosted in partnership with Fidelity Private Shares. The full-day event will feature voices from companies like Toast and firms like Bessemer Venture Partners, covering topics beyond fundraising and AI. Sessions will address customer acquisition, team building, pitch development, and scaling outside traditional startup hubs.
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