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Anthropic blocks 'malicious use' of AI that could develop biological weapons

BBC News

Anthropic blocks'malicious use' of AI that could develop biological weapons Anthropic says it has identified and disrupted attempts to use its AI model for malicious activity that could support biological and conventional weapons development. The company's AI model Claude was also used in a Russia-linked cyber espionage campaign and by an Iranian propaganda institution, according to Anthropic's latest threat intelligence report. The cases of concern detected over the past eight months ranged from fake dating apps and hotel Wifi scams, to surveillance built to identify dissidents. The revelations come after warnings from a top safety researcher at Anthropic about AI's potential risks to humanity . Anthropic has also accused Chinese AI firms of trying to replicate Claude's capabilities.


Japanese startup bets Iron Man-inspired homes can beat humanoids

The Japan Times

MW's robotic arms with claw-like hands can fold laundry and carry groceries while moving along ceiling-mounted rails. Tokyo-based startup MW is offering homes with built-in robotic housekeeping arms, a counter to a global embrace of humanoids. MW aims to sell its first robot-equipped home in Tokyo by 2028 and build as many as 10,000 units a year by 2035, the equivalent of 5% of new homes now being built in Japan, according to CEO Shuzo Narita. Japan helped pioneer bipedal robots decades ago, but MW is taking a different path from the humanoid boom now sweeping China and much of the rest of the world. Instead of trying to build a human-shaped machine capable of navigating obstacles in a lived-in space, the startup is embedding robotics into buildings.


Did California just ban social media for teens?

Mashable

Mashable Selects Mashable's Best: E-readers, robovacs, laptops, earbuds, smart home and more Creator Playbook Look Up Back to School Say More Trending Now Good Connection: Uplifting stories for a digital age Switch Off Mashable Voices Safety Net Versus All Series Did California just ban social media for teens? The nation's most populous state passed Adam's Law to regulate chatbot harm. Chase joined Mashable's Social Good team in 2020, covering online stories about digital activism, climate justice, accessibility, and media representation. California's new child safety laws are official, mandating tech companies build for teens. California governor Gavin Newsom's signature is now on a slew of new tech laws, including a dozen new state bills that target social media and AI giants.


U.S. lawmakers call for new AI rules after Anthropic researcher's safety warning

The Japan Times

U.S. lawmakers call for new AI rules after Anthropic researcher's safety warning An Anthropic researcher has accused OpenAI and Anthropic of racing toward artificial intelligence advancements without acting responsibly. U.S. lawmakers this week called for new rules to govern artificial intelligence, after an Anthropic researcher went public with his concerns about the technology escaping human control. The reaction was broader than after previous statements from OpenAI and Anthropic staffers about safety concerns, drawing input from lawmakers who do not often forcefully engage in debates over how to govern AI. The lawmakers' statements came in response to concerns raised this week by Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who accused OpenAI and Anthropic of racing toward AI advancements without acting responsibly. Coxon said he was leaving the AI industry, and his allegations spread rapidly on the social media platform X, with Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger later chiming in on X, saying Coxon was "correct."


Coach crash kills several people in Swiss Alps

BBC News

A tourist coach has crashed in the south-eastern Swiss Alps, leaving several people dead and several injured, local police say. The bus overturned between Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden - also known as Grisons - region late on Thursday afternoon. A large team of rescuers equipped with several helicopters was deployed to the scene. Some 48 Dutch passengers were on board the bus, according to a spokeswoman for the General Dutch Association of Travel Companies on behalf of tour operator OAD, as well as the driver. The spokesperson told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf they could not yet say how many people had been killed or injured.


OpenAI Wants to Know if an AI Industry Slowdown Would Even Be Legal

WIRED

AI leaders worry antitrust law could stand in the way of what they view as an increasingly urgent push to coordinate a slowdown in AI development. OpenAI has asked members of Congress in recent weeks for clear guidance about whether orchestrating an industry-wide slowdown on frontier AI development would be legal, people close to the company tell WIRED. Substantive coordination on safety between AI labs may risk running afoul of antitrust law, the people say, which poses a significant obstacle to bringing major tech giants on board with the effort. Last weekend, OpenAI's chief scientist, Jakub Pachocki, published a blog post arguing that the best path forward for the AI research world includes "coordinating to slow down future development," which he thinks will be key to ensuring that self-improving AI systems are safe. In the short term, he expects " voluntary slowdowns to become commonplace until shared safety bars are established."


Dana Point declares local emergency after at least 16 homes are damaged by strong surf

Los Angeles Times

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. An aerial view of homes damaged by flooding along Beach Road on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in Dana Point. Homes in the Capistrano Beach community have been severely damaged by recent storms. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here .


Bioweapon threat exposed as Anthropic sounds alarm on foreign actors plotting virus experiments

FOX News

Anthropic says researchers used AI to plan gain-of-function experiments involving bird flu, chikungunya and toxins with potential weapons applications, according to a new threat report.


Bernie Sanders speaks to the BBC about proposal to ban AI superintelligence

BBC News

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. US Senator Bernie Sanders recently said he intends to introduce legislation banning AI superintelligence and propose a sort of sovereign wealth fund in which the US would take a 50% stake in AI companies. Sanders, who is an independent but often collaborates with his Democratic lawmaker colleagues, would need to pass both houses of Congress - currently held by Republicans - and be signed by President Donald Trump to become law. Trump has championed US government investment in AI companies, to create almost a partnership with the American public. The US senator spoke to BBC Newsnight about his concerns about artificial intelligence overtaking humanity.


CA governor signs 'landmark' laws on youth use of social media and AI chatbots

Engadget

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed multiple measures aimed at protecting the state's youth. These new laws include restrictions for potentially addictive social media features and limitations on how young users can interact with AI chatbots. The state is enacting restrictions on how teens can interact with chatbots from AI companies, including time limits. Chatbot makers will be required to implement mental health resources, safety protocols in case a minor discusses self harm and notifications for parents if a child turns off safety settings. California will now require "independent child safety audits and annual risk assessments" by AI companies.