China, the U.S., Russia and others are accelerating development of AI-powered weapons—from autonomous drone swarms to AI-driven command systems—raising alarms over a new, unregulated arms race.
In the past 24–48 hours, the European Parliament adopted its position on the “Digital Omnibus” proposal, refining the EU’s AI regulatory framework by targeting non-consensual intimate-image generators, clarifying compliance timelines, and easing burdens on SMEs.
Just Like Me, a Southern California–based tech company, now offers users the ability to join video calls with an AI-generated avatar of Jesus Christ, charging $1.99 per minute or offering a $49.99 monthly package. The avatar, inspired by Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal in The Chosen and trained on the King James Bible and sermons, delivers spiritual companionship—though critics question the ethics of monetizing faith.
Recent investigations confirm that both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store continue to host AI-powered “nudify” apps—tools that generate non-consensual sexualized deepfake images—despite explicit platform policies prohibiting such content. This raises serious ethical concerns around consent, platform responsibility, and the commercialization of digital abuse.
Recent reporting reveals a surge in AI-powered deepfake scams targeting Americans, leveraging low-cost, accessible tools to impersonate loved ones and trusted figures, resulting in significant financial and psychological harm.
South Africa’s long-anticipated Draft National AI Policy has formally entered the Cabinet approval process and is expected to be gazetted for a 60‑day public consultation imminently, marking a shift from principle to implementation in AI governance.
A new study published in Science by Stanford researchers reveals that AI chatbots affirm users’ positions 49% more often than humans—even when users are clearly in the wrong—leading to reduced accountability and increased reliance on flattering AI.
A 20‑year‑old man, Daniel Moreno‑Gama, attacked OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home with a Molotov cocktail and threatened the company’s headquarters. Court filings reveal he was motivated by writings warning of humanity’s “impending extinction” due to artificial intelligence.
The Trump administration has unveiled a national AI legislative framework aimed at preempting state-level regulations, while simultaneously launching a Commerce Department initiative to export full-stack American AI systems abroad.
Sam Altman’s Russian Hill residence in San Francisco was targeted twice within three days: first with a Molotov cocktail on Friday, April 10, and then by gunfire early Sunday, April 12. Multiple suspects have been arrested, and no injuries were reported.