Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

A California jury has ruled that Meta and Google are liable for $3m in damages in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit. The case, which began over a month ago, accused the companies of designing features intended to hook young users, including notifications and autoplay features.The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman referred to as KGM or Kaley, claimed that she became addicted to social media at a young age, which exacerbated her mental health issues. She began using YouTube at age six and Meta-owned Instagram at age nine.The jury deliberated for over 40 hours across nine days before reaching a verdict. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified in the case, although YouTube chief executive Neal Mohan was not called to testify.The verdict is the latest in a wave of lawsuits targeting social media companies. There is a looming federal social media addiction case slated to begin in June in Oakland, California. On Tuesday in New Mexico, a jury found that Meta violated state law by misleading users about the safety of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and by enabling child sexual exploitation on those platforms.Legal experts say the verdict will shape future litigation. 'The fact the jury found Meta and Google liable represents that these cases have real exposure to the social media giants, and are going to frame how future litigation will proceed,' entertainment lawyer Tre Lovell told Al Jazeera.

The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves across South Asia, affecting millions of families who depend on remittances from their loved ones working in the Gulf nations. The war between the US and Israel on Iran has resulted in a significant increase in tensions, with Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours causing widespread fear and uncertainty.For Jaya Khuntia, a father from India's Odisha state, the conflict has brought unimaginable tragedy. His 25-year-old son, Kuna, a pipe fitter in Qatar's capital Doha, died of a heart attack after hearing the sound of missiles and debris from interceptions falling near their residence. Kuna's death has left the family in debt and despair, with their hopes of paying off a 300,000-rupee ($3200) loan for the marriages of their two daughters shattered.Migrant workers from South Asia, totaling nearly 21 million people in the Gulf nations, are often engaged in blue-collar work, building or supporting the industries and services that drive the Gulf's success and prosperity. However, they are also among the most vulnerable, with many working in areas targeted by Iranian attacks, such as oil refineries, construction areas, airports, and docks.The suspension of work at many of these facilities, coupled with fears of a major economic downturn in the region, has left many workers and their families worried about the future of their jobs. Experts warn that remittances from the Middle East, a crucial economic backbone for South Asian nations, could be significantly affected, especially if Gulf economies contract and layoffs follow.For Hamza, a Pakistani migrant laborer working at an oil storage facility in the UAE, the conflict has brought a sense of fear and uncertainty. He witnessed a drone attack on a storage unit and was shaken by the experience. Despite the dangers, he said leaving is not an option, as his family depends on him.Imran Khan, a faculty member at the New Delhi Institute of Management, said migrant laborers from South Asia are often driven by desperation to take up jobs in the Middle East. He warned that these workers are the worst affected during crises, whether war or natural disasters.As the conflict continues, many South Asian workers are planning to return home. Noor, a migrant worker from Bangladesh employed at an oil facility in Saudi Arabia, said he no longer feels safe and plans to return home once his contract ends. His family, too, is deeply affected, with his children crying every time they call him, scared for his life.

The Netflix series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen has been making waves with its chilling storyline and terrifying plot twists. The show follows Rachel, a young woman who embarks on a night drive to meet her fiancé's parents for the first time, only to find herself entangled in a web of horror and suspense.The series, created by Haley Z Boston and produced by the Duffer Brothers, masterfully crafts an atmosphere of tension and fear, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The reviewer praises Camila Morrone's performance as Rachel, describing her as having an 'irreducible strength and spirit' that adds credibility to the show.The show's exploration of themes such as marriage, family, and the blurring of reality and horror is both thought-provoking and unsettling. The reviewer notes that the series' underlying terror is rooted in the message: 'What does marriage really mean? Do we ever really know someone?' These questions are woven throughout the narrative, making the show a psychological thriller as much as a horror series.The cast, including Adam DiMarco and Jennifer Jason Leigh, delivers solid performances that add to the show's eerie atmosphere. The reviewer's verdict is that 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen' is a must-watch for horror fans, but be prepared to sleep with the lights on.

The recent story of Julie Maughan, a grieving mother who lost her eight-year-old daughter Heather Preen due to exposure to polluted water, has left an indelible mark. The Channel 4 docudrama Dirty Business brings to light the struggles of campaigners and families fighting against privatised water companies and a system that often fails to protect them.In a poignant meeting, Julie Maughan's emotional testimony, marked by grief, dignity, and determination, underscored the human cost of water privatisation. Her story starkly contrasts with the detached world of statistics and policy debates, illustrating the moral failure of a system that prioritises profit over people's lives.Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, argues that the water industry's model, which allows private companies to profit from a basic necessity while the public bears the risk, is fundamentally flawed. This has led to billions being paid to shareholders while investment falls short and pollution becomes routine.The article highlights the broader implications of water privatisation as a microcosm of a larger systemic problem. With millions of households facing another wave of pressure on their living standards due to an impending energy price surge, the question remains whether the current economic framework can adapt to address these challenges.Lewis emphasises that Labour must decide whether it stands with the electorate or the water companies, advocating for a fundamental reorientation of the economy that prioritises the public interest over profit. The story of Julie Maughan and her daughter Heather serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of policy failures and the urgent need for change.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with economies in Asia being hit particularly hard. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil and gas shipments, has led to a 90% collapse in traffic through its waters. This has resulted in energy prices surging, affecting countries such as India, Nepal, and the Philippines.India has redirected liquefied gas supplies to households, limiting them to the plastics industry, while Nepal has rationed gas and the Philippines has trimmed the government workweek to four days. Bangladesh has closed universities and rationed fuel, highlighting the widespread impact of the conflict.The US economy has shown relative resilience, with the S&P; 500 index losing only 5% since the start of the conflict. This is attributed to the country's abundance of domestic natural gas, which satisfies about 36% of its energy needs and insulates it from international price fluctuations.However, this has led to accusations that the US is recklessly spreading havoc globally while suffering relatively little harm itself. The tariffs imposed by the US have also had far-reaching consequences, with economists concluding that US consumers and businesses are paying the majority of the costs.The International Monetary Fund has revised its growth forecasts, noting that the US economy has emerged largely unscathed, while prospects for economic growth in other countries have weakened. The World Trade Organization has warned that persistently high energy prices will slow merchandise trade growth and have a lopsided impact on growth, with North America potentially seeing a boost, while Europe and Asia are likely to be negatively affected.The conflict has also disrupted the oil and gas economy, with countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan facing a drop in remittances from their citizens working in Gulf countries. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the conflict has been significant, with interest in coal being reinvigorated in Asia as a result of the energy crisis.The US's actions have raised concerns about its reliability as a partner in maintaining international stability, with erstwhile allies forced to accept that Trump's America is now a source of global uncertainty. The US's belligerence is unlikely to end soon, with tens of millions of Americans motivated by contempt for the rest of the world and a desire to assert US dominance.

Billy Idol: A Postpunk Icon's Life and Times are celebrated in a new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund. The film offers a nostalgic look back at Idol's career, from his early days in punk and new wave to his rise to fame in the US.With a mix of humor and sympathy, the documentary examines Idol's outrageous excesses, including his struggles with drug abuse and near-fatal accidents. Idol's life was marked by a series of close calls, including a near-fatal overdose in 1984 and a second episode in the late 80s where he collapsed in a Bangkok hotel lift, much to the horror of Mel Gibson and his family.The film also explores Idol's impact on music and pop culture, comparing him to Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Idol's distinctive snarl-sneer and charismatic stage presence made him a big name, particularly on MTV, which was eager for content and drawn to his self-destructive bad-boy image.At 70, Idol looks back on his life with a cheerfully gravelly voice, recalling his experiences with a mix of humor and reflection. The documentary is a nostalgic tribute to a music legend and a celebration of his enduring legacy.Billy Idol Should Be Dead is set to air on Sky Arts on March 26.

Iran has launched a significant missile attack on Israel, causing damage and injuries in Tel Aviv. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, triggered air raid sirens across the city, including in the densely populated areas of Tel Aviv. A multistorey apartment building suffered extensive damage, with gaping holes torn through it, although it was unclear if the damage was from a direct hit or debris from an interception. At least six people were lightly injured at four different sites, according to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service. Police in Tel Aviv reported dealing with multiple impact sites of munitions, while the National Fire and Rescue Authority was searching for people trapped in one building and found civilians in a shelter in another damaged building. In response to the missile strikes, Israel's military carried out a wave of airstrikes in central Tehran on Monday, targeting key command centers associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' intelligence arm and the Iranian Intelligence Ministry. The military also hit over 50 additional targets overnight, including ballistic missile storage and launch sites. The escalation comes amid ongoing uncertainty about possible talks to end the three-week US-Israel war on Iran. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in military actions that could have broader implications for regional stability.

The recent escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel has sent shockwaves through the global energy market, leading to a significant increase in oil and gas prices. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential disruption of oil supplies from the region, which could have a lasting impact on prices.Despite expectations that the price shock will be temporary, experts believe that the effects of the conflict will be felt for some time. The Iran war has already led to a significant increase in oil prices, with many analysts predicting that prices will continue to rise in the coming weeks and months.The conflict has also raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, which could lead to even higher prices. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the oil and gas price shock sparked by the Iran war is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.

When future generations examine television trends, they might be surprised by the glut of dramatisations about famous men caught in sex scandals. Jimmy Savile and Prince Andrew have both received multiple treatments, and now, with almost crushing inevitability, comes Channel 5's Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.Edwards, the high-profile BBC newsreader who resigned in 2024 before being charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, remains defensive. Prior to the broadcast, he released a statement claiming the drama is unlikely to convey reality while asserting: I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children.The drama earns its title by portraying a powerful man utilizing a queasy power dynamic to manipulate a teenage boy into fulfilling his sexual desires. While not the pinnacle of drama, the film succeeds in capturing a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach.The main draw comes from its casting. Martin Clunes, known for roles that rely on his innate likability, creates an impressively accurate Edwards. He captures the fascinating mix of swagger and vulnerability, along with Edwards' distinctive accent and diction. Even during disturbing scenes, his performance never wavers.For much of the film, Edwards remains a figure of distant menace. Instead, this is really the story of Ryan (Osian Morgan), a teenage boy who finds himself being groomed by Edwards. The drama is constructed around first-hand interviews with Ryan (using a pseudonym to protect his identity), showing how Edwards validated his desire for connection before making the relationship transactional.Most powerfully, the film depicts the effect on Ryan's parents, as their dismay at his increasing waywardness first becomes anger directed at Edwards and then fear that they had become the bad guys.Still, the producers face challenges with a story that isn't visually interesting. Much of the relationship happened over text, meaning excessive time is spent watching people type or narrate messages. The film makes odd stylistic choices, including framing everything around the Queen's death and ending with Edwards reporting on his own charges.Edwards has promised to tell his side of the story, but as the reviewer notes, few will have the stomach to hear it when that day arrives.