Regulation, antitrust, AI safety, tech rights.
Agentic AI systems can autonomously select and engage targets without human intervention, marking a shift from previous weapons that required a human to choose the target. This technology extends the trend of increasing distance between warrior and wound, but now eliminates the human entirely from the decision loop. The implications for accountability and escalation are profound, as machines may make life-or-death choices without oversight.
Cory Doctorow, a sci-fi author and tech journalist, has released a new book titled 'The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI'. In it, he argues that the current AI bubble can be deflated by striking at its foundational infrastructure, such as data centers and energy supply. Doctorow suggests that coordinated action against these physical assets could undermine the industry's growth.
The National Assembly passed the budget for FY2026-27 after the opposition staged a walkout. Opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticized the government for censorship, alleging his speech was not aired despite a prior order lifting curbs. The speaker defended the move, accusing the opposition of undermining parliament.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government ruled out blanket amnesty for leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee, blaming them for recent deaths and violence. The government offered constitutional options for the JAAC's demand to abolish 12 reserved seats for refugees, but the group expanded demands from 2 to 38. Internet services remain suspended and a partial strike continues in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions.
A UK competition tribunal has allowed a £3bn class action against Apple to proceed, representing up to 19.6 million iPhone and iPad users. The claim alleges Apple's 30% commission on app purchases and in-app payments is anti-competitive. Apple denies the claims, stating many customers use third-party alternatives.
The U.S. uses only 40-55% of its grid capacity because it's built for peak demand, which occurs just a few days per year. Technologies like battery storage, smart thermostats, and flexible data centers can boost utilization. A 10% increase in utilization could save Americans over $100 billion in the next decade.
The Trump administration has set a goal for the US to build a quantum computer by 2028, calling for a national effort to accelerate quantum-enabled scientific discovery. The initiative aims to keep America competitive in the global quantum race. No specific funding or roadmap details were provided.
The US is among few countries that permit patents on plant varieties. These patents limit farmers' ability to save seeds and breed new strains. A study found that seed prices have increased by over 300% since 1990 due to patent protections.
President Trump signed executive orders mandating the construction of a quantum computer by 2028. The initiative aims to advance post-quantum cryptography and drug discovery. Early investments are expected to accelerate quantum computing capabilities.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's peace during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Islamabad. The leaders discussed regional security, connectivity, and economic cooperation. Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the US-Iran Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, expressing hope for permanent peace.
The federal government approved a reduced advance tax rate on property transactions, aiming to stimulate the real estate sector. Simultaneously, it increased taxes on other property-related activities to offset revenue losses. The changes take effect immediately.
Madison Square Garden created a dossier on activists who opposed its use of facial recognition technology. The document included personal details and social media posts of individuals who had publicly criticized the company. This raises concerns about corporate surveillance and retaliation against critics.
A new proposal would require tech companies to monitor children's online activity and report suspicious behavior to authorities. Critics argue this approach normalizes mass surveillance and disproportionately harms marginalized youth. The policy risks criminalizing normal childhood exploration while failing to address root causes of harm.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad for a brief official visit at PM Shehbaz Sharif's invitation. He was welcomed with a guard of honour and is set to meet President Zardari and PM Shehbaz. Pezeshkian also met Army Chief Asim Munir to discuss regional peace initiatives.
A sanctioned Russian banking app disguised as a utility tool reached the top of the US iPhone App Store free charts on June 23. This follows a similar app disguised as a Pomodoro timer that hit the top three earlier this month. Both apps were removed after Apple was alerted to their true nature.