分类： technology

A prominent Albanian actress has initiated legal proceedings against her government after discovering her digital likeness was utilized without proper authorization to create an AI-powered ministerial avatar. Anila Bisha, a well-known performer, alleges that authorities exploited her identity by transforming her into “Diella,” an artificial intelligence system designated to oversee public procurement processes.

The controversial initiative was unveiled by Prime Minister Edi Rama in September 2023 as an innovative anti-corruption measure. The government promoted this AI entity as a virtual minister that would allegedly eliminate graft in public tenders through automated decision-making. However, the project immediately faced scrutiny from opposition parties and technology ethicists who raised substantial concerns about algorithmic accountability and procedural transparency.

Bisha revealed that while she had previously consented to limited use of her image for a government service portal virtual assistant through December 2025, the administration dramatically expanded this usage without consultation. The situation escalated when a digitally synthesized version of the actress addressed Albania’s parliament dressed in traditional attire, claiming the AI minister was “not here to replace people.

The 57-year-old performer discovered that the National Agency for Information Society had additionally filed patents covering her vocal and visual identity without notification—a development she states has professionally and personally compromised her. After attempted negotiations yielded no governmental response, Bisha formally petitioned the administrative court this week seeking immediate suspension of her likeness utilization.

This case emerges amid growing global debates concerning digital rights, personality protections, and ethical artificial intelligence implementation within governance structures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Volunteers Inc, a Jamaican non-profit organization, has introduced a groundbreaking digital solution that redefines volunteerism through technology. The innovative application, named “VIbe,” serves as a comprehensive platform integrating volunteer engagement, social networking, gamification, and project development into one seamless ecosystem.

This pioneering platform distinguishes itself as one of the few globally that enables volunteers and partner organizations not just to participate in existing initiatives but to actively propose meaningful projects, mobilize community support, and foster connections around shared objectives. The application’s unique approach combines social interaction features with gamified experiences, creating an engaging environment for users to discover opportunities aligned with their skills and interests.

Volunteers Inc President Davor Bailey emphasized the organization’s vision, stating: “Volunteering should be engaging, inclusive and accessible. With VIbe, we’re using technology to remove barriers, spark collaboration and give people a meaningful way to turn ideas into action.”

The launch marks a significant advancement in modernizing volunteer efforts, expanding the organization’s reach throughout Jamaica and potentially influencing global volunteer practices. Currently available on the Google Play Store for Android users, the platform also offers web-based accessibility ensuring inclusive access across all device types, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to universal participation in community-driven initiatives.

In a pivotal California courtroom confrontation, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri offered a staunch defense against allegations that social media platforms deliberately engineer addiction in young users. Testifying in a bellwether trial that could reshape legal accountability for tech giants, Mosseri drew sharp distinctions between clinical addiction and what he termed “problematic use” of digital platforms.

The high-stakes litigation names Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) and Google’s YouTube as defendants, centering on claims that their platforms knowingly hook children for profit. The case specifically involves Kaley G.M., a 20-year-old who allegedly suffered severe mental health consequences after beginning her social media journey with YouTube at age six and Instagram at 11.

Under rigorous questioning from plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier, Mosseri pushed back against characterizations of Instagram as a dopamine “slot machine” for vulnerable youth. “Protecting minors over the long run is even good for the business and for profit,” Mosseri asserted, rejecting the notion that Meta operates under a “move fast and break things” ethos that prioritizes revenue over safety.

The testimony unfolded as Stanford University School of Medicine professor Anna Lembke, called by plaintiffs, presented countering evidence describing social media broadly as a “drug” and comparing YouTube to a “gateway drug” for children. She emphasized that underdeveloped adolescent brains predispose youth to take “risks that they shouldn’t.”

With Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg scheduled to testify February 18 and YouTube CEO Neil Mohan the following day, the proceedings represent a critical juncture for an industry facing over a thousand similar lawsuits alleging platforms contribute to depression, eating disorders, and even suicide among young users. The trial’s outcome, expected by March 20, may establish legal precedents affecting nationwide litigation and regulatory approaches to social media design and accountability.

PARIS – The controversial AI-powered pendant from tech startup Friend has arrived in Europe, generating significant privacy concerns under the European Union’s stringent data protection regulations. Following a contentious launch in the United States, the always-listening wearable device now faces scrutiny from European authorities and public skepticism.

The Paris metro system has recently been saturated with provocative advertisements for the device, featuring promises of constant companionship such as ‘I’ll always be up for grabbing coffee with you.’ French-American founder Avi Schiffmann specifically targeted the French capital for this aggressive marketing campaign after similar efforts in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Schiffmann defended the controversial approach, telling AFP: ‘These provocative campaigns in the metro, especially when people react by writing on them or tearing them down, result in us having a conversation. It’s very cool to see.’

The distinctive circular white device, designed to be worn around the neck, features an always-active microphone that continuously monitors both the user and their surroundings. This audio data provides context for Google’s Gemini AI model to generate responses on the user’s smartphone, often characterized by snarky commentary and unconventional humor.

French journalist Charlotte Vautier, who tested the device ahead of its EU release, described the experience as ‘bewildering’ and noted: ‘Unlike other AIs, it’s quite cutting, it makes slightly strange jokes. It’s like an old buddy who’s honest with you and takes you down a peg or two.’

Despite the aggressive marketing, the actual popularity remains unclear. Fortune magazine estimates only 3,000 devices were sold in the US, though Schiffmann claims over 200,000 active users without specifying device sales.

The device’s arrival in Europe at a price point of €113 places it directly under GDPR scrutiny. Before use, users must consent to record people around them without obtaining permission from those individuals. The pendant cannot be switched off, and the indicator light remains permanently active, raising questions about continuous data collection even when the connected application is closed.

Jeremie Iordanoff, a French Green Party MP, has called for an investigation by France’s CNIL data protection authority, stating there is ‘strong suspicion that Friend does not fulfill its obligations to respect users’ privacy.’

The CNIL confirmed to AFP that the pendant raises significant questions regarding ‘how data is used, where it’s stored, how it’s secured and how it could be reused for training AI systems,’ and plans to contact the company about GDPR compliance.

Public reaction in Paris has mirrored earlier responses in the US, with many posters being torn down or defaced with anti-AI messages. Digital expert Fabrice Epelboin described these actions as ‘a widespread neo-Luddite reaction,’ noting that ‘it’s easier to have a go at a poster in the metro than at a data center in a distant suburb.’

Despite the controversy, the 23-year-old founder remains optimistic about AI companionship becoming defining technology for younger generations, comparing it to how social media shaped his own generation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an innovative departure from conventional cybersecurity campaigns, telecommunications leader Flow Jamaica has forged a strategic alliance with local creative professionals to revolutionize its internet safety messaging for 2026. The collaboration culminated in the premiere of an original five-minute theatrical production on February 10th, strategically timed with global Safer Internet Day observances.

Developed in partnership with Project Quilt, the professionally produced skit employs relatable family scenarios and humor to demonstrate real-world digital risks while promoting responsible online behavior. Stephen Price, Flow’s Vice President and General Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to this initiative: “Flow continues to lead Jamaica’s contribution to global internet safety education, particularly focusing on youth protection. Our refreshed methodology leverages authentic storytelling through local theatrical talent, creating compelling edu-tainment with lasting impact beyond a single day of awareness.”

The production’s narrative unfolds within a typical household setting, illustrating how commonplace online interactions can rapidly intensify into dangerous situations, while simultaneously demonstrating how straightforward safety measures and open dialogue can effectively mitigate risks.

Complementing this creative approach, Flow launched an extensive school outreach program targeting educational institutions including Queen’s School and Holy Trinity High School. These engagements feature interactive sessions with social media influencer Tanaania Tracey, practical safety workshops, and knowledge-testing challenges designed to stimulate conversation. The content will achieve broad dissemination through both traditional television broadcasts and Flow’s digital social platforms throughout February.

LOS ANGELES — In a groundbreaking courtroom battle that could reshape legal accountability for digital platforms, YouTube’s legal representation mounted a vigorous defense Tuesday against allegations that the Google-owned service deliberately engineers addictive features targeting children.

Attorney Luis Li presented opening arguments before a twelve-member jury, fundamentally challenging the case’s core premise. “It’s not social media addiction when it’s not social media and it’s not addiction,” Li asserted, drawing sharp distinctions between YouTube’s video service and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

The civil trial, unfolding in California state court, represents a bellwether case with potentially far-reaching implications for hundreds of similar lawsuits pending against social media companies nationwide. The litigation centers on claims that a young woman identified as Kaley G.M. developed severe mental health issues after becoming addicted to social media during childhood, beginning with YouTube at age six before progressing to other platforms.

Li systematically dismantled the addiction narrative, noting: “The plaintiff is not addicted to YouTube. You can listen to her own words — she said so, her doctor said so, her father said so.” He characterized YouTube instead as a modern equivalent of television, emphasizing that “more people watch YouTube on television than they do on their phones or their devices. More people watch YouTube than cable TV.”

The defense attorney portrayed YouTube as an educational and entertainment resource rather than a social network, citing internal company communications that he claimed demonstrated executives prioritizing socially beneficial content over viral engagement metrics. “YouTube is selling the ability to watch something essentially for free on your computer, on your phone, on your iPad,” Li stated, comparing the platform to Netflix rather than social media.

This defense followed Monday’s opening statements from plaintiffs’ attorneys who accused both YouTube and Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) of deliberately engineering addiction into young users’ brains to drive engagement and profits.

The trial’s first expert witness, Stanford University School of Medicine professor Dr. Anna Lembke, provided dramatic testimony comparing social media to addictive substances. She explained that the prefrontal cortex—which regulates impulse control—doesn’t fully develop until approximately age 25, making adolescents particularly vulnerable to addictive design features. “Typically, the gateway drug is the most easily accessible drug,” Lembke testified, describing the plaintiff’s early exposure to YouTube at age six.

The outcome of this landmark proceeding could establish critical legal precedents governing technology company liability for user mental health impacts, with implications comparable to historic litigation against the tobacco industry.