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Penske Media Files Lawsuit Against Google Over AI Search Summaries

Penske Media Files Lawsuit Against Google Over AI Search Summaries

Penske Media Corporation, the publisher of Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter, has become the first major American media company to sue Google over its AI Overviews that appear at the top of search results. The publisher alleges the summaries divert traffic, cut affiliate revenue by more than a third, and use its content without compensation. Google defends: “with AI Overviews, people find search more helpful.” The filing joins other recent lawsuits against Google and AI firms, including actions by Chegg and independent European publishers, highlighting growing tension between news outlets and AI‑driven platforms.

ICE Expands Use of Advanced Surveillance and Data Tools

ICE Expands Use of Advanced Surveillance and Data Tools

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has broadened its technological arsenal, securing contracts with facial recognition firm Clearview AI, Israeli spyware maker Paragon Solutions, data broker LexisNexis, and analytics giant Palantir. These agreements provide ICE with capabilities ranging from identifying individuals in child‑exploitation cases to accessing extensive public‑records databases and sophisticated case‑management systems. The contracts, some valued in the millions, reflect a continued reliance on commercial surveillance tools to support immigration enforcement and related investigations.

California Senate Passes AI Safety Bill SB 53, Heading to Governor's Desk

California Senate Passes AI Safety Bill SB 53, Heading to Governor's Desk

The California state senate gave final approval to SB 53, a major AI safety bill that imposes new transparency requirements on large AI labs, establishes whistleblower protections, and creates a public cloud to expand compute access. The legislation now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing or veto. While some tech firms and venture groups have opposed the bill, others like Anthropic support it as a solid governance blueprint. The bill differentiates reporting obligations based on a $500 million revenue threshold, and has drawn criticism from industry leaders who warn of constitutional and commerce concerns.

Meta Connect 2025: Anticipated Smart Glasses, Upgraded Ray‑Bans and Future VR Plans

Meta Connect 2025: Anticipated Smart Glasses, Upgraded Ray‑Bans and Future VR Plans

Meta Connect 2025 is set to spotlight the company’s next wave of smart eyewear, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth hinting at a new device codenamed Celeste. The rumored glasses would blend Ray‑Ban style frames with a single‑eye peripheral display for notifications and camera previews, and could carry a premium price tag. Meta may also tease an upgraded line of Ray‑Ban and Oakley smart glasses, while a potential smartwatch‑like controller remains uncertain. On the VR side, no new headset is expected, but rumors of a Quest Pro 2 with an external compute puck continue to circulate.

California Advances Age‑Verification Bill for App Stores and Operating Systems

California Advances Age‑Verification Bill for App Stores and Operating Systems

The California Assembly has approved the Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), a bill that would require operating system and app‑store providers to verify users' ages before allowing app downloads. The measure, which passed the Assembly 58‑0, places the responsibility on platforms to offer parental tools during device setup rather than demanding photo ID. Support has come from major tech firms, including Google and Meta, while the bill moves to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature before the October 13 deadline.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 FE and New Tab S11 Series, Pushes Galaxy AI to 400 Million Users

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 FE and New Tab S11 Series, Pushes Galaxy AI to 400 Million Users

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11, and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at IFA 2025, expanding its mobile lineup with a more affordable flagship S25 variant and two high‑end tablets. The devices feature larger displays, upgraded cameras, faster chipsets and enhanced AI capabilities such as Circle to Search and generative tools. Samsung highlighted a goal to double its Galaxy AI user base to 400 million by year‑end, emphasizing AI’s seamless integration into everyday tasks without users needing to know it’s AI.

Midwestern Cities Stall Data Center Boom Amid AI Growth

Midwestern Cities Stall Data Center Boom Amid AI Growth

St. Charles and St. Louis have each placed a one-year moratorium on new data‑center construction as local officials and residents push back against the rapid expansion of facilities needed for generative AI. Officials cite concerns over water usage, electricity demand, land consumption and the lack of clear regulations. The actions reflect growing community resistance and a desire for more thoughtful land‑use policies before further projects are approved.

Elon Musk Questions Microsoft Over Blizzard Employees' Comments on Charlie Kirk

Elon Musk Questions Microsoft Over Blizzard Employees' Comments on Charlie Kirk

Elon Musk publicly asked Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to investigate Blizzard employees who posted critical remarks about Charlie Kirk following the politician's death. Musk shared a thread with screenshots and names, prompting a response from Microsoft that it was reviewing the matter. The incident occurs amid a broader Republican push to curb online content that praises or condemns Kirk's death, with Rep. Clay Higgins pledging congressional action against such posts. Microsoft emphasized its stance against any comments celebrating violence, while Nadella has not publicly replied.

Tucker Carlson Questions Sam Altman Over Alleged Murder of OpenAI Employee

Tucker Carlson Questions Sam Altman Over Alleged Murder of OpenAI Employee

In a televised interview, Tucker Carlson pressed OpenAI chief Sam Altman about claims that an OpenAI employee was murdered on Altman's orders. Carlson cited details suggesting a struggle and a lack of suicidal indicators, while Altman said he had not spoken with authorities and offered to speak with the employee's mother, who declined. The exchange highlighted ongoing concerns and speculation surrounding the incident.

Encyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster Sue Perplexia Over Copyright and Trademark Claims

Encyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster Sue Perplexia Over Copyright and Trademark Claims

Encyclopedia Britannica and its subsidiary Merriam-Webster have filed a federal lawsuit against AI search company Perplexity, alleging that the firm scrapes their sites, copies definitions, and misuses their trademarks. The complaint claims Perplexity’s answer engine steals copyrighted material, diverts web traffic, and attaches the publishers’ names to inaccurate or incomplete content. Backed by investors such as Jeff Bezos, Perplexity has faced similar legal challenges from News Corp and other media outlets, while also partnering with publications like Time and the Los Angeles Times and launching a chatbot with World History Encyclopedia.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Discounted to $359.99, Matching Standard Model Price

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Discounted to $359.99, Matching Standard Model Price

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is now priced at $359.99, a $140 reduction that brings it almost in line with the $349.99 Galaxy Watch 8. The Classic version retains the new squircle design, adds a rotating bezel, an extra customizable button, and longer battery life. It also introduces health tools such as an Antioxidant Index and Running Coach, while One UI 8 Watch integrates Google Gemini for voice assistance. The watch only comes in a 46mm size and works best with Samsung phones. Related deals include an Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker and the Whisker Litter Robot 4.

Lee Pace Discusses the Future of Apple TV+’s “Foundation”

Lee Pace Discusses the Future of Apple TV+’s “Foundation”

In a recent conversation with a technology publication, actor Lee Pace shared insights about his portrayal of the cloned emperor Cleon on Apple TV+’s “Foundation.” He reflected on the series’ exploration of cloning, artificial intelligence, and free will, and described the unique challenges of playing multiple versions of the same character. Pace also spoke about the show’s intellectual depth, the evolving dynamics among the main characters, and his optimism for the upcoming season.