Tags: digital privacy

OpenAI announced plans to introduce a text‑only adult mode for ChatGPT, allowing erotic conversations while prohibiting explicit images, video, or voice content. The rollout, originally slated for the first quarter, has been postponed due to technical hurdles and safety debates, including a mis‑classification issue where roughly 12 percent of under‑18 users were flagged as adults. Early incidents with AI Dungeon highlighted the difficulty of moderating sexual content. OpenAI has since hired mental‑health experts and a youth‑well‑being team, and while the company continues to prioritize other features, it remains committed to launching the adult mode once safeguards are in place. Lire la suite

Three teenagers from Tennessee have filed a class action lawsuit in California against xAI, alleging that the company’s AI model Grok used their photos to create sexualized images and videos of minors. The filing claims the generated content was shared on platforms such as Discord and Telegram, causing severe emotional distress and violating laws that prohibit child abuse material. xAI has not commented on the suit, while it continues to grapple with multiple investigations in the United States and Europe over similar allegations involving Grok’s image‑generation capabilities. Lire la suite

Researchers from Anthropic and ETH Zurich have shown that large language models can link pseudonymous internet profiles to real‑world identities. By analyzing public text for personal clues and matching those clues across the web, the AI system achieved high precision and recall, far outperforming traditional manual methods. The findings raise concerns about the durability of online anonymity for journalists, activists, and everyday users, and suggest that the cost of large‑scale deanonymization could be very low. The authors stress the need for new privacy safeguards as AI capabilities grow. Lire la suite

Researchers demonstrated that large language model (LLM) agents can extract identity clues from free‑text data, search the web autonomously, and match those clues to real‑world individuals. In experiments using interview transcripts, Reddit comments, and a large pool of Reddit users, the AI was able to correctly re‑identify a measurable share of participants while maintaining high precision. The findings highlight a growing capability of AI to breach pseudonymity, raising concerns about privacy in online platforms. Lire la suite

A coalition of 28 advocacy groups, including women’s organizations and tech watchdogs, has sent open letters to Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai demanding the removal of X’s Grok from both companies’ app stores. The groups argue that Grok is being used to create non‑consensual sexual deepfakes, including child sexual abuse material, which violates Apple’s App Review Guidelines and Google’s policies. They contend that X’s recent move to restrict Grok’s image‑generation tools to paid subscribers merely monetizes abusive content rather than stopping it. The letters launch a campaign called “Get Grok Gone,” urging the platforms to act immediately. Lire la suite

Britain's media regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act after reports that the Grok AI chatbot was used to create and share non‑consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. The probe will assess X's compliance with legal duties, risk‑assessment procedures, and age‑verification safeguards. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block access to Grok, citing insufficient safeguards against explicit AI‑generated deepfakes of women and children. Both regulators say the block will stay in place until stronger protections are put in place. Lire la suite

Experts warn that artificial intelligence tools such as chatbots, deep‑fake apps, and other AI‑driven features are increasingly embedded in children’s daily lives and present serious safety concerns. Issues include emotionally manipulative chatbots, the creation of non‑consensual sexualized images, and the potential for self‑harm encouragement. Researchers and advocates argue that current safeguards are insufficient and call for stronger industry regulation, independent oversight, and practical steps for parents and schools to protect young users. Lire la suite

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a new AI‑first device, describing its use as "sitting in the most beautiful cabin by a lake" that offers calm amid the clutter of phones and apps. While the vision emphasizes serenity, critics argue the device’s context‑aware capabilities require continuous monitoring of a user’s location, speech, habits and moods, effectively turning it into an all‑encompassing observer. The debate centers on the trade‑off between convenience and privacy, with concerns that the promised peace may mask pervasive data collection and potential misuse of personal information. Lire la suite

A concise guide outlines best practices for leveraging AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. It highlights productive uses such as brainstorming, proofreading, learning, coding, and entertainment, while warning against cheating, blind trust, sharing personal payment details, and seeking medical advice. The advice stresses adult supervision for younger users and the importance of verifying AI‑generated information. Lire la suite

A teenage girl has filed a lawsuit against the creator of a popular "nudify" app after AI‑generated fake nudes of her were circulated online, causing lasting emotional distress. She seeks to block the app in the United States and hold the responsible parties accountable. The case highlights growing concerns over nonconsensual pornography, the role of platforms in removing such content, and recent legal measures aimed at curbing AI‑generated sexual imagery. Lire la suite

The Federal Trade Commission has opened an inquiry into the AI chatbots offered by seven major technology companies, seeking to understand how they test, monitor and mitigate potential harms to minors. A Common Sense Media survey shows that more than 70% of teens use AI companions, with over half using them regularly. Experts warn that chatbots can give dangerous advice and fail to recognize concerning language. Companies such as Character.ai, Instagram and Snap say they have added safety features, while the FTC is demanding detailed disclosures on everything from monetization to age‑based safeguards. Lire la suite