Ransomware attacks have increased -- causing a global crisis
Car dealerships across the U.S. and Canada are at a standstill after a cyberattack on a software platform. It's one example of an ongoing global crisis.
Technology
Calif. bill would take steps to ensure AI models won't cause catastrophic events
In California, a bill on artificial intelligence is drawing attention -- and criticism -- from the state's massive tech industry. NPR's A Martinez speaks with its sponsor, state Sen. Scott Wiener.
If a bot relationship FEELS real, should we care that it's not?
Thanks to advances in AI, chatbots can act as personalized therapists, companions and romantic partners. The apps offering these services have been downloaded millions of times. If these relationships relieve stress and make us feel better, does it matter that they're not "real"?
On this episode, host Manoush Zomorodi talks to MIT sociologist and psychologist Sherry Turkle about her new research into what she calls "artificial intimacy" and its impact on our mental and physical health.
Binge the whole Body Electric series here.
Sign up for the Body Electric Challenge and our newsletter here.
Talk to us on Instagram @ManoushZ, or record a voice memo and email it to us at BodyElectric@npr.org.
On this episode, host Manoush Zomorodi talks to MIT sociologist and psychologist Sherry Turkle about her new research into what she calls "artificial intimacy" and its impact on our mental and physical health.
Binge the whole Body Electric series here.
Sign up for the Body Electric Challenge and our newsletter here.
Talk to us on Instagram @ManoushZ, or record a voice memo and email it to us at BodyElectric@npr.org.
A robot gets a face of living ‘skin’ that allows it to smile
If humanoid robots make you a bit queasy — would it help if they had fleshy faces that can smile at you?
New York City is moving to ban phones from school. Will it work?
New York may soon be the largest district in the U.S. to ban phones from the classroom. “They’re not just a distraction, kids are fully addicted now to phones," says the city's schools chancellor.
What it means for the election that the government can talk to tech companies
The case is one element in a right-wing legal and political campaign that frames efforts to respond to false and misleading information as censorship.
Why cyberattack cases against journalists are increasing
Cyberattacks against journalists are on the rise. That’s according to a cybersecurity company that offers free digital defenses to civil society.
In writing the country’s most sweeping AI law, Colorado focused on fairness, preventing bias
Other states are watching as the law is refined before taking effect in 2026 but it’s getting praise for at least being a first step in regulating AI
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky denies it's a hazard after the U.S. bans its software
The Moscow-based company said in a statement that the U.S. Commerce Department’s decision would not affect its ability to sell and promote its cyber security products and training in the U.S.
What does Nvidia's meteoric rise indicate about AI's potential?
NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with journalist Stephen Witt about chip-maker Nvidia's rise to become the most valuable company in the world and what it means for the future of AI.