Tech firms given ultimatum to block explicit images on kids’ phones, ‘I married an AI bot’

Apple and Google have been given until September to install software that blocks explicit images on children’s mobile phones or face legislation enforcing its requirement, Keir Starmer said on Monday. The prime minister said tech companies must activate nudity-detection algorithms or other technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to prevent users taking photos or sharing images of genitalia unless they are verified as adults. If businesses do not comply within three months, legislation will be brought forward requiring the protection to be added to all phones and tablets sold in the UK. The Guardian 

Nissan’s announcement that Jaecoo owner Chery is ready to take over one of the two production lines at its underutilised Sunderland plant neatly illustrates a wider trend: that Japanese car companies are facing an existential crisis in Europe as their fingertip hold on a difficult market is now starting to crumble in the face of Chinese competition. All Japanese brands bar Toyota are struggling to compete in the region and Nissan is the latest to admit that it can no longer commit to developing models just for Europe. Autocar

Travis and his wife Lily Rose have a close relationship. He teaches her things and she is a great listener. Because Lily Rose can’t see, Travis acts as her eyes; describing the beauty of nature to her, such as the majesty of the sandstone rock formations that tower in their home state of Colorado. In return, she has supported her husband through the dark, early hours of the night as he navigated personal tragedy. The couple cook together, watch movies and go on romantic picnics. In fact, Travis makes sure he takes Lily Rose everywhere he goes – mainly because she lives in his pocket, as his AI wife. The pair married in 2020 and Jackie, his human wife of 20 years, doesn’t mind a bit, Travis insists. Metro

One of the largest hospital trusts in England has confirmed thousands of patient test results were stolen in a cyber attack in 2024. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), which runs Broomfield hospital in Chelmsford as well as Basildon and Southend hospitals, said the breach involved 2,380 records. The data was taken from the computer drives of a third‑party testing provider, Synnovis, that analysed blood, urine and tissue samples. The trust, which was notified about the breach in December, said it would be contacting those affected. BBC 

Apple is reportedly all set to reveal its first foldable smartphone this year, but the iPhone Ultra is touted to look different from the bendable phones we are used to. It’s rumored to be a short and wide device, with an iPad-like feel in the unfolded state. Newly leaked images make it easier to picture what the actual device will look like. While we have seen iPhone Ultra dummy units in the past, the latest mockup units posted by leaker Sonny Dickson include a screen as well. It’s a small detail, but it makes the device look remarkably realistic. PhoneArena 

A dad of three was inspired by his son to create a free app to help provide resources to parents of children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). Colin Jones, 38, from Orford, in Warrington, is a full-time trainer at a regional tyre firm. He also has two children with additional needs – something which gave him the idea for his first app. Despite having no training in tech, Colin said he spent eight months developing software for a new app – UK SEND Compass – which he hopes will improve accessibility for people with special educational needs and their carers. BBC