An anonymous reader quotes a report from ZDNet: Denmark’s Minister of Digitalization, Caroline Stage, has announced that the Danish government will start moving away from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice. Why? It’s not because open-source is better, although I would argue that it is, but because Denmark wants to claim “digital sovereignty.” In the States, you probably haven’t heard that phrase, but in the European Union, digital sovereignty is a big deal and getting bigger.

A combination of security, economic, political, and societal imperatives is driving the EU’s digital sovereignty moves. EU leaders are seeking to reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign technology providers, primarily those from the United States, and to assert greater control over its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future. Why? Because they’re concerned about who controls European data, who sets the rules, and who can potentially cut off access to essential services in times of geopolitical tension. “Money issues have also played a decisive role,” writes ZDNet’s Steven Vaughan-Nichols. “Copenhagen’s Microsoft software bill has soared from 313 million kroner in 2018 to 538 million kroner — about $53 million in 2023, a 72% increase in just five years.

David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), a Dane, inventor of Ruby on Rails, and co-owner of the software developer company 37Signals, has said: “Denmark is one of the most highly digitalized countries in the world. It’s also one of the most Microsoft-dependent. In fact, Microsoft is by far and away the single biggest dependency, so it makes perfect sense to start the quest for digital sovereignty there.”

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Amazon forced all Prime Video subscribers onto a new ad-based subscription tier in January 2024 unless users paid more for their subscription type. Now, the tech giant is reportedly showing twice as many ads to subscribers as it did when it started selling ad-based streaming subscriptions.

Currently, anyone who signs up for Amazon Prime (which is $15 per month or $139 per year) gets Prime Video with ads. If they don’t want to see commercials, they have to pay an extra $3 per month. One can also subscribe to Prime Video alone for $9 per month with ads or $12 per month without ads.

When Amazon originally announced the ad tier, it said it would deliver “meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.” Based on “six ad buyers and documents” ad trade publication AdWeek reported viewing, Amazon has determined the average is four to six minutes of advertisements per hour.

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Human vision relies on photoreceptor cells in the retina that react to visible light and trigger neurons in the optic nerve to send signals to the brain. Degradation of these photoreceptors is the leading cause of vision impairments, including blindness.

However, a team of scientists at China’s Fudan University has recently built prototype retinal implants that can replace the failing photoreceptors and potentially provide infrared vision as a bonus. Sadly, they’ve only been tested in animals, so we’re still rather far away from making them work like Cyberpunk 2077-style eye augments.

Vision on chip

Earlier work on retinal implants that restored at least some degree of vision to the blind involved using electrode arrays that electrically stimulated neurons in the back of the retina, taking the place of the damaged photoreceptor cells. A patient had to wear a camera mounted on a pair of glasses that sent signals to the implant to activate this signaling. These implants required a power source to work, were unreliable, difficult to use, and had limited resolution, and the surgical procedure necessary to put them in the eye was extremely complicated.

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Meta is finally cracking down on “nudify” apps that use AI to generate nonconsensual nude and explicit images of celebrities, influencers and others. The company is suing one app maker that’s frequently advertised such apps on Facebook and Instagram, and taking new steps to prevent ads for similar services.

The crackdown comes months after several researchers and journalists have raised the alarm about such apps. A recent report from CBS News identified at least “hundreds” of ads on Meta’s platform promoting apps that allow users to “remove clothing” from images of celebrities and others. One app in particular, called Crush AI, has apparently been a prolific advertiser on Facebook and Instagram. Researcher Alexios Mantzarlis, Director of Cornell Tech’s Security, Trust and Safety Initiative, reported back in January that Crush AI had run more than 8,000 ads on Facebook and Instagram since last fall.

Now, Meta says it has filed a lawsuit against Joy Timeline HK Limited, the Hong Kong-based company behind Crush AI and other nudify apps. “This follows multiple attempts by Joy Timeline HK Limited to circumvent Meta’s ad review process and continue placing these ads, after they were repeatedly removed for breaking our rules,” the company wrote in a blog post. Joy Timeline HK Limited didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meta also says it’s taking new steps to prevent apps like these from advertising on its platform. “We’ve developed new technology specifically designed to identify these types of ads — even when the ads themselves don’t include nudity — and use matching technology to help us find and remove copycat ads more quickly,” Meta wrote. “We’ve worked with external experts and our own specialist teams to expand the list of safety-related terms, phrases and emojis that our systems are trained to detect within these ads.” The social network says it also plans to work with other tech platforms, including app store owners, to share relevant details about entities that abuse its platform.

Nudify apps aren’t the only entities that have exploited Meta’s advertising platform to run ads featuring celebrity deepfakes. Meta has also struggled to contain shady advertisers that use AI-manipulated video of public figures to promote scams. The company’s independent Oversight Board, which weighs in on content moderation issues affecting Facebook and Instagram, recently criticized Meta for under-enforcing its rules prohibiting such ads.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-cracking-down-on-ai-nudify-apps-100034964.html?src=rss

In case all the content from Summer Game Fest wasn’t enough, Konami has you covered. Today at 9AM ET the developer will stream Konami Press Start, a new showcase featuring updates (and hopefully new gameplay) for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Silent Hill f, among other titles. 

It will stream on Konami’s YouTube channel and is expected to run 37 minutes. On top of news about the aforementioned two games, Konami has promised more — perhaps news around the Gradius Origins collection coming in August, possible new DLC for the Silent Hill 2 remake from Bloober Team or an update on Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection vol. 2. 

As a reminder, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to arrive on PS5, PC and Xbox Series X on August 28th, while Silent Hill f will come to those same platforms on September 25th. The company has also been working on Silent Hill Townfall and other titles. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/watch-konamis-press-start-metal-gear-and-silent-hill-stream-at-9am-et-100011285.html?src=rss

The European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter has captured the first-ever images of the sun’s poles by tilting its orbit out of the ecliptic plane. Space.com reports: The captured images of the solar south pole were taken between March 16 and 17, 2025, with the Solar Orbiter’s Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI), Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), and Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instruments. They constitute humanity’s first ever look at the sun’s poles. This was the Solar Orbiter mission’s first high-angle observation campaign of the sun, conducted at an angle of 15 degrees below the solar equator. Just a few days after snapping these images, the ESA spacecraft reached a maximum viewing angle of 17 degrees, which it sits in currently as it performs its first “pole-to-pole” orbit of our star. […]

One of the first discoveries made by the Solar Orbiter is the fact that the magnetic fields around the sun’s southern poles appear to be, for lack of a better phrase, a complete mess. While standard magnetic fields have well-defined north and south poles, these new observations reveal that north and south polarities are both found at the sun’s southern pole. This seems to happen at solar maximum when the poles of the sun are about to flip. Following this exchange of poles, the fields at the north and south poles will maintain an orderly single polarity during solar minimum until solar maximum during the next 11-year cycle.

The Solar Orbiter observations also revealed that while the equator of the sun, where the most sunspots appear, possesses the strongest magnetic fields, those at the poles of our star have a complex and ever-changing structure. The Solar Orbiter’s SPICE instrument provided another first for the ESA spacecraft, allowing scientists to track elements via their unique emissions as they move through the sun. Tracing the specific spectral lines of elements like hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, neon, and magnesium, a process called “Doppler measurement,” revealed how materials flow through different layers of the sun. The Solar Orbiter also allowed scientists to measure the speed of carbon atoms as they are ejected from the sun in plumes and jets. “This is just the first step of Solar Orbiter’s ‘stairway to heaven.’ In the coming years, the spacecraft will climb further out of the ecliptic plane for ever better views of the sun’s polar regions,” ESA’s Solar Orbiter project scientist Daniel Muller said. “These data will transform our understanding of the sun’s magnetic field, the solar wind, and solar activity.”

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Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station as part of a four-person mission by Axiom Space launching from the U.S.. The mission will include 14 days aboard the ISS and over 60 scientific studies. The Guardian reports: He will be the third astronaut of Indian origin to reach orbit, following Rakesh Sharma, who was part of a 1984 flight onboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft, and Kalpana Chawla, who was born in India but became a US citizen and flew on two space shuttle missions, including the 2003 Columbia flight that ended in disaster when the spacecraft disintegrated, killing all seven astronauts onboard. “I truly believe that even though, as an individual, I am traveling to space, this is the journey of 1.4 billion people,” Shukla was quoted as saying by the Hindu newspaper this year. Shukla said he hoped to “ignite the curiosity of an entire generation in my country.”

India’s department of space has called the trip a “defining chapter” in its ambitious space exploration program. The International Space Station mission (ISS) “stands as a symbol of a confident, forward-looking nation ready to reclaim its place in the global space race,” the agency said before the launch. “His journey is more than just a flight — it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration.” New Delhi has paid more than $60m for the mission, according to Indian media reports. […]

Shukla trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia in 2020, before undertaking further training at the ISRO’s centre in Bengaluru. He has said the journey aboard the Axiom Mission 4, and the expected 14 days on the ISS, will provide “invaluable” lessons to bring back home. Shukla will be led by the mission commander, Peggy Whitson, a former Nasa astronaut and an Axiom employee, and joined by the European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, of Poland, and Tibor Kapu, of Hungary. They will conduct 60 scientific studies, including microgravity research, earth observation, and life, biological and material sciences experiments.

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Close protection officers play a big part in maintaining the safety of high-profile individuals. These professionals operate quietly, working behind the scenes to create and maintain a secure environment around clients who face unique, high-stakes risks.

Security Risks Unique to High-Net-Worth Individuals

Public visibility brings exposure to targeted threats. High net worth individuals are vulnerable to stalkers, opportunistic criminals, and information leaks. Some threats stem from corporate rivalries or political motives. 

In this environment, those who need close protection rely on experts trained to predict and prevent danger before it escalates. These professionals do more than react. They act before anything unfolds, identifying blind spots and reshaping movements to reduce exposure without restricting the individual’s freedom.

Close Protection Officers: Risk Assessment and Adaptive Protection Strategies

Each detail matters when shaping a safety plan. Close protection bodyguards begin their assignments by examining risk (think current threats, past incidents, lifestyle habits, and exposure points). Plans are then designed to minimize vulnerabilities. 

Unlike static security methods, this protection evolves with the client’s schedule and public presence. These officers possess skills in surveillance detection, defensive driving, and protective intelligence. Their training gives them the tools, but their sharp instincts make the difference.

From Public Events to Private Retreats

Clients move between luxury residences, business centers, international airports, and high-profile gatherings. Every setting introduces fresh risk. Close protection officers don’t follow; they lead. They assess new environments, prepare secure paths, and evaluate every point of contact. 

At events, they coordinate with venue staff and law enforcement. During travel, they prepare vehicles, inspect accommodations, and check itineraries. The process is detailed, structured, and precise.

Discreet by Design

The job depends on staying low-profile. Unlike an armed security officer at a checkpoint, close protection is fluid and adaptable. Clients often prefer discretion. Visibility can increase tension or attract attention. 

These officers stay close without drawing the spotlight. Their quiet presence offers assurance, not intrusion. Their ability to blend in, move fluidly, and remain alert at all times makes them an asset in public and private settings alike.

Operational Control Without Interruption

Protection involves managing time, space, and people. These officers screen every interaction as in who enters the client’s space, how staff interact, which meetings require secure oversight. 

They oversee transportation logistics and communicate with service providers while monitoring surroundings for potential threats. The goal is control without interruption. The officer acts as a filter, allowing only trusted individuals and pre-cleared information through.

The Complexity of Travel Protection

Travel expands both opportunity and risk. International assignments can introduce unstable regions, language barriers, or new legal frameworks. Close protection professionals handle customs protocols, coordinate with foreign contacts, and maintain secure travel paths. 

They plan for delays, alternative routes, and shifting political climates. By preparing for the worst, they make ordinary movement possible, even under extraordinary conditions.

A Rising Need in a Changing World

As wealth becomes more visible, so does the risk that comes with it. Public records, online exposure, and news coverage make it easy for malicious actors to identify targets. 

More individuals now realize they need close protection, especially during high-profile transactions, corporate transitions, or family disputes. The rise in personal security demand reflects the increasing pressure public figures face in both digital and physical spaces.

Team-Based Protection Models

In many cases, safety requires a team approach. When protecting a family, a business leader, or someone managing multiple properties, one officer cannot cover all needs. A team might include a driver, advance agent, residential specialist, and logistical coordinator. 

Each person handles a separate aspect. This model creates full coverage. The lead officer monitors overall risk, while others handle minute-to-minute logistics or crowd control.

Private Residences and Domestic Risk Management

Risks don’t disappear behind a gate. Residences, though familiar, introduce their own safety challenges. 

Households include vendors, staff, guests, and service teams. All present potential risks. A close protection bodyguard helps manage these variables. Entry logs, verified backgrounds, and secure perimeters are part of the strategy. The officer monitors arrivals, evaluates movements, and maintains order quietly in the background.

Digital Overlap and Modern Threat Vectors

Many threats now begin online. Surveillance doesn’t just happen in person; it happens through data leaks and location tracking. Protection professionals now work in tandem with cybersecurity teams. 

The officer guards the client physically, while digital experts monitor for mentions, threats, or leaked schedules. This fusion blocks risks before they converge. Knowing the ins and outs of close protection includes awareness of how real-world and online threats connect and how to disrupt them.

Customized Services for Different Lifestyles

A political leader, celebrity, and business mogul face different risks. Some need escorting through crowds. Others require confidential protection during negotiations. 

No two clients need the same service. The work adapts to each lifestyle. Some prefer visible presence, others complete privacy. Some need 24/7 protection, while others need specialized coverage for events or travel. Officers adjust their method to match the individual, not the other way around.

Long-Term Assignments and Trust Development

Protection relationships often grow over time. With continued assignments, trust deepens. Officers witness family dynamics, financial decisions, and vulnerable moments. Discretion becomes just as important as tactical readiness. 

In long-term work, professionalism builds the foundation for trust. Clients often come to depend on these officers for more than just security. They depend on them for discretion, loyalty, and insight.

Close Protection vs. General Security

There’s a distinct difference between general security and close protection officers. Security guards protect property. They manage gates, monitor feeds, and deter theft. 

Close protection, by contrast, focuses on people. These professionals operate in motion, adapting to threats that shift minute by minute. Their value lies not in equipment, but in thinking: strategic awareness, interpersonal awareness, and staying calm under pressure.

Executive Protection in the Corporate World

Today’s executives are symbols of corporate identity. With public announcements, earnings releases, and deal signings come increased visibility. Protection in this space includes boardrooms, airports, hotel suites, and conference venues. 

The officer may sit outside a meeting room one hour and ride along in a motorcade the next. Their assignment straddles the public and private, requiring both polish and vigilance. This hybrid approach serves those whose influence stretches across continents and sectors.

Private Aviation and Controlled Transit

Private aviation removes some public risk but introduces new variables. Smaller airports often have reduced oversight. Crews, passengers, and service staff must all be vetted. 

The armed security officer may manage the entry point, but it is the close protection specialist who coordinates transitions. They check flight crews, verify cargo, and make sure transportation meets the client immediately upon landing. There’s no margin for error when every moment outside controlled space carries potential risk.

Precision, Not Presence

The work of close protection officers lies in preparation, strategy, and calm control. It isn’t showy or loud. It’s quiet, calculated, and unshakable. 

For high-net-worth individuals, this kind of focused personal security is not about limiting movement. It’s about enabling freedom, grounded in confidence. In a world of fast-moving threats and unpredictable exposure, those who need protection don’t wait. They hire the professionals who know how to act before a threat arrives.

Written by Lara Harper

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Register: Australian SaaS-y graphic design service Canva now requires candidates for developer jobs to use AI coding assistants during the interview process. […] Canva’s hiring process previously included an interview focused on computer science fundamentals, during which it required candidates to write code using only their actual human brains. The company now expects candidates for frontend, backend, and machine learning engineering roles to demonstrate skill with tools like Copilot, Cursor, and Claude during technical interviews, Canva head of platforms Simon Newton wrote in a Tuesday blog post.

His rationale for the change is that nearly half of Canva’s frontend and backend engineers use AI coding assistants daily, that it’s now expected behavior, and that the tools are “essential for staying productive and competitive in modern software development.” Yet Canva’s old interview process “asked candidates to solve coding problems without the very tools they’d use on the job,” Newton admitted. “This dismissal of AI tools during the interview process meant we weren’t truly evaluating how candidates would perform in their actual role,” he added. Candidates were already starting to use AI assistants during interview tasks — and sometimes used subterfuge to hide it. “Rather than fighting this reality and trying to police AI usage, we made the decision to embrace transparency and work with this new reality,” Newton wrote. “This approach gives us a clearer signal about how they’ll actually perform when they join our team.” The initial reaction among engineers “was worry that we were simply replacing rigorous computer science fundamentals with what one engineer called ‘vibe-coding sessions,'” Newton said.

The company addressed these concerns with a recruitment process that sees candidates expected to use their preferred AI tools, to solve what Newton described as “the kind of challenges that require genuine engineering judgment even with AI assistance.” Newton added: “These problems can’t be solved with a single prompt; they require iterative thinking, requirement clarification, and good decision-making.”

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A coordinated spam operation has infiltrated abandoned subdomains belonging to major institutions including Nvidia, Stanford University, NPR, and the U.S. government’s vaccines.gov site, flooding them with AI-generated content that subsequently appears in search results and Google’s AI Overview feature.

The scheme, reports 404 Media, posted over 62,000 articles on Nvidia’s events.nsv.nvidia.com subdomain before the company took it offline within two hours of being contacted by reporters. The spam articles, which included explicit gaming content and local business recommendations, used identical layouts and a fake byline called “Ashley” across all compromised sites. Each targeted domain operates under different names — “AceNet Hub” on Stanford’s site, “Form Generation Hub” on NPR, and “Seymore Insights” on vaccines.gov — but all redirect traffic to a marketing spam page. The operation exploits search engines’ trust in institutional domains, with Google’s AI Overview already serving the fabricated content as factual information to users searching for local businesses.

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The abstract of a study featured on NBER: We examine the labor market effects of AI chatbots using two large-scale adoption surveys (late 2023 and 2024) covering 11 exposed occupations (25,000 workers, 7,000 workplaces), linked to matched employer-employee data in Denmark.

AI chatbots are now widespread — most employers encourage their use, many deploy in-house models, and training initiatives are common. These firm-led investments boost adoption, narrow demographic gaps in take-up, enhance workplace utility, and create new job tasks. Yet, despite substantial investments, economic impacts remain minimal. Using difference-in-differences and employer policies as quasi-experimental variation, we estimate precise zeros: AI chatbots have had no significant impact on earnings or recorded hours in any occupation, with confidence intervals ruling out effects larger than 1%. Modest productivity gains (average time savings of 3%), combined with weak wage pass-through, help explain these limited labor market effects. Our findings challenge narratives of imminent labor market transformation due to Generative AI.

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