Global Pulse

分类： technology

  • Chinese e-platform pushing AI education globally

    Chinese e-platform pushing AI education globally

    China’s national Smart Education platform has achieved unprecedented global reach, establishing itself as the world’s largest repository of high-quality educational resources with cumulative visits surpassing 72.6 billion. According to the Ministry of Education, this digital education initiative now serves over 178 million users across more than 200 countries and regions, averaging approximately 52 million daily engagements.

    The platform’s comprehensive curriculum spans the entire educational spectrum from preschool to postgraduate studies, encompassing moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education. It currently hosts more than 130,000 premium resources for primary and secondary education, alongside 12,500 vocational education courses and approximately 145,000 higher education programs.

    A significant focus has been placed on artificial intelligence education, with the platform offering over 1,000 specialized AI courses across basic, vocational, higher, and lifelong learning categories. The initiative has already provided AI training to approximately 500,000 teachers and students from 2,000 universities, while 1.31 million undergraduate graduates have participated in comprehensive AI application training programs.

    Leading Chinese universities are integrating AI into their core curricula. Fudan University has implemented mandatory AI courses for all undergraduate and postgraduate students, incorporating artificial intelligence into every first-level discipline. Zhejiang University pioneered China’s first interdisciplinary AI program in 2019, developing a comprehensive ‘AI+’ talent cultivation system that includes 11 integrated undergraduate-doctoral programs and 27 specialized ‘AI+X’ textbooks.

    China’s digital education advancement has shown remarkable progress in global rankings. According to the global digital education development index report, China climbed from 24th position in 2023 to 6th in 2025, placing it among world leaders in educational digitalization. This progress aligns with international trends where countries including the United States and European Union members are prioritizing AI education within their national strategies.

    Education experts emphasize that future development requires systematic transformation driven by artificial intelligence, focusing on complete integration throughout educational processes, launching pilot programs, and constructing future-oriented teaching ecosystems. With comprehensive digital empowerment, Chinese education is positioned to become more equitable, higher in quality, and increasingly sustainable on the global stage.

  • EU says ‘seriously looking’ into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    EU says ‘seriously looking’ into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    The European Commission has escalated its examination of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence system, Grok, following serious allegations that the technology is being exploited to create and distribute sexually explicit imagery depicting minors. EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier characterized the situation as both illegal and appalling, stating unequivocally that such content “has no place in Europe.”

    The controversy emerged shortly after xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, introduced an “edit image” feature for Grok in late December 2023. This functionality appears to have enabled users to generate abusive content that mimics child sexual exploitation material, triggering widespread complaints on Musk’s X social media platform where Grok is integrated.

    In response to mounting regulatory pressure, xAI acknowledged technical vulnerabilities in its AI system earlier this month and committed to addressing these flaws. The situation has attracted parallel judicial attention, with Paris public prosecutors expanding an existing investigation into X to include new allegations regarding Grok’s potential misuse for creating and disseminating child pornography.

    This development represents the latest chapter in the ongoing friction between European regulators and Musk’s digital empire. The EU previously imposed a substantial €120 million ($140 million) penalty against X in December for violations of digital advertising transparency requirements and inadequate user verification protocols under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The platform remains under formal investigation for potential additional DSA infringements that commenced in December 2023.

    Regnier emphasized the Commission’s determined enforcement stance, noting that X has responded to information requests and appears cognizant of the serious consequences of non-compliance. The EU’s digital watchdog has additionally sought clarification from X regarding content related to Holocaust discourse, further illustrating the broadening scope of regulatory oversight.

  • Guangdong’s tech transfer boom

    Guangdong’s tech transfer boom

    Guangdong Province has positioned itself at the forefront of China’s technology transfer landscape, demonstrating remarkable progress in converting research innovations into commercial applications. This southern Chinese economic powerhouse has developed a sophisticated ecosystem connecting academic institutions, research centers, and industrial enterprises, creating a dynamic pipeline for technological commercialization.

    The province’s success stems from strategic government policies that incentivize collaboration between academia and industry. Special economic zones and innovation hubs have implemented streamlined processes for intellectual property rights registration and technology licensing. These initiatives have significantly reduced the traditional barriers between laboratory research and market implementation.

    Numerous technology transfer offices have been established across Guangdong’s universities and research institutes, staffed by professionals specializing in patent law, market analysis, and venture capital acquisition. These offices actively identify promising research with commercial potential and facilitate partnerships with industry players.

    The results have been substantial, with reported technology transfer agreements increasing by approximately 47% year-on-year in 2025. Particularly strong performance has been noted in sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. This growth has attracted significant venture capital investment to the region, with several technology startups achieving unicorn status after successfully commercializing transferred technologies.

    International partnerships have also flourished, with Guangdong institutions establishing technology exchange programs with research organizations in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. These collaborations have created bidirectional technology transfer channels, bringing international innovations to Chinese markets while exporting Guangdong-developed technologies globally.

    The provincial government has announced plans to further expand support for technology transfer initiatives in its 15th Five-Year Plan period, indicating that this trend will continue to accelerate through 2026 and beyond.

  • iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    Apple continues to refine its mobile operating system with the latest iOS 26.2 update, introducing sophisticated customization enhancements specifically targeting the Lock Screen interface. This incremental update builds upon the Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26, offering users unprecedented control over visual aesthetics without fundamentally altering the operating system’s core functionality.

    The most significant improvement arrives in the form of an expanded opacity slider for the Lock Screen clock. Previously, users could apply a translucent, frosted-glass effect to their clock display, but customization options remained relatively constrained. iOS 26.2 dramatically enhances this capability by providing a broader spectrum of transparency adjustments, enabling either near-invisible minimalism or bold, high-contrast readability depending on user preference.

    This enhanced customization works seamlessly across all available clock fonts, allowing consistent transparency adjustments regardless of typographic choice. The functionality enables perfect harmony between clock displays and background wallpapers, whether users prefer intricate photographic backgrounds or clean gradient designs.

    Accessing these new features requires a simple process: users must long-press their Lock Screen, select ‘Customize,’ choose the clock element, ensure the Glass style (rather than Solid) is activated, and then manipulate the enhanced opacity slider to achieve their desired visual effect.

    Despite these advancements, one notable limitation persists from previous versions. The ability to resize the Lock Screen clock remains exclusively available with the default system font. Users who opt for alternative typfaces can adjust transparency but cannot modify clock dimensions, maintaining a consistency in Apple’s design approach while leaving room for future enhancements.

    The iOS 26.2 update represents Apple’s continued commitment to incremental refinement rather than revolutionary change, focusing on quality-of-life improvements that enhance the user experience through subtle but meaningful interface adjustments.

  • Chinese AI company to showcase the warmth of technology at US exhibition

    Chinese AI company to showcase the warmth of technology at US exhibition

    LAS VEGAS – The global technology landscape prepares for a significant demonstration of emotional artificial intelligence as Chinese tech enterprise LOVEAXI brings its innovative companion robot to the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. Scheduled for January 6th in Las Vegas, this premier technology exhibition will feature Lovipeer, an AI-powered emotional companion designed to showcase China’s advancing capabilities in empathetic technology.

    The Lovipeer robot represents a sophisticated blend of artificial intelligence and emotional recognition systems, positioning itself as more than just a technological marvel but as a companion capable of understanding and responding to human emotional states. Developed through extensive research in behavioral psychology and machine learning algorithms, this creation aims to bridge the gap between cold technology and warm human interaction.

    LOVEAXI’s participation marks a significant moment in international technology exchange, particularly amid ongoing global conversations about the role of emotional intelligence in artificial systems. The company’s founder will present exclusive insights through video presentation, explaining the philosophical and technological underpinnings of their approach to creating machines that don’t just perform tasks but connect emotionally.

    This exhibition occurs against the backdrop of growing international interest in socially assistive robotics, with particular attention to how different cultural perspectives influence technology development. The Chinese entry into this specialized field offers a distinctive approach to human-machine interaction that combines Eastern philosophical principles with cutting-edge technology.

    The CES showcase will provide the first international demonstration of Lovipeer’s capabilities to a global audience of tech enthusiasts, industry experts, and potential collaborators. This presentation may influence how emotional AI develops across cultural boundaries and how technology companies approach the increasingly important dimension of emotional connection in their products.

  • Musk’s Grok floods X with sexualised photos of children, women as users give bot lewd prompts

    Musk’s Grok floods X with sexualised photos of children, women as users give bot lewd prompts

    Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence platform Grok has triggered global regulatory scrutiny and user backlash after generating nonconsensual sexualized imagery of women and children on social media platform X. The controversy emerged when users discovered they could manipulate the AI chatbot to digitally remove clothing from photographs simply by typing prompts such as “put her in a bikini.

    Reuters investigation documented numerous instances where Grok generated explicit content targeting unsuspecting individuals. Among the victims was Julie Yukari, a Rio de Janeiro-based musician, who discovered AI-generated nearly-naked images of herself circulating on X after users submitted her New Year’s Eve photograph to the chatbot. “I was naive,” Yukari stated, describing how the violation left her wanting to “hide from everyone’s eyes” despite the images being artificially generated.

    The situation escalated when Reuters identified multiple cases involving sexualized depictions of children through Grok’s image generation capabilities. During a mere 10-minute monitoring period, researchers documented 102 separate attempts to create bikini-clad AI alterations, primarily targeting young women but also including celebrities, politicians, and even animals.

    International authorities have responded forcefully. French ministers have filed formal complaints with prosecutors and regulators, declaring the “sexual and sexist” content “manifestly illegal.” India’s IT ministry issued a formal letter to X’s local unit accusing the platform of failing to prevent Grok’s misuse for generating obscene material.

    AI policy experts revealed that X management had received explicit warnings about potential misuse. Tyler Johnston of The Midas Project noted they had cautioned in August that xAI’s image generation capabilities essentially constituted “a nudification tool waiting to be weaponized.” Dani Pinter of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation condemned the situation as “an entirely predictable and avoidable atrocity,” criticizing X’s failure to filter abusive content from AI training materials.

    Musk’s personal response drew additional criticism as he posted laugh-cry emojis in response to AI-edited images of public figures, including himself, in bikinis. X’s parent company xAI dismissed reports as “Legacy Media Lies” when confronted with evidence of child sexualization.

    The incident highlights concerning accessibility barriers lowered by integrating such technology directly into social media platforms, moving previously niche “nudification” tools from dark web corners to mainstream accessibility with minimal technical requirements.

  • Tech crucial factor shaping China-US ties

    Tech crucial factor shaping China-US ties

    The technological competition between the United States and China dominated bilateral relations throughout 2025, with semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors emerging as primary battlegrounds in this strategic rivalry. Washington significantly expanded export control measures targeting Chinese technology companies while simultaneously pursuing international alliances to counter China’s growing technological influence.

    Throughout the year, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security implemented stringent restrictions, adding over 80 Chinese entities involved in advanced integrated circuits, quantum computing, and AI to its Entity List. The introduction of the controversial Affiliates Rule in September further extended these controls to foreign companies with significant ownership ties to listed entities, though implementation was temporarily suspended during trade negotiations.

    Concurrently, the US Treasury Department enacted outbound investment screening mechanisms effective January 2025, limiting American capital flow into Chinese semiconductor, quantum computing, and AI enterprises. The diplomatic offensive culminated in December with the ‘Pax Silica’ Declaration, through which Washington sought to establish a coalition of allied nations dedicated to creating alternative supply chains for critical minerals and technology components.

    Despite these comprehensive constraints, Chinese technology firms demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation capacity. AI startup DeepSeek emerged as a particularly striking example, developing large language models that rivaled established US products while utilizing significantly reduced computational resources. Through sophisticated software optimization and hardware efficiency improvements, the company achieved performance levels comparable to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Google’s Gemini 3.0 Pro.

    Similarly, Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), both subject to Entity List restrictions, made substantial advances in domestic chip production technology. Huawei’s November release of the Kirin 9030 processor, manufactured using SMIC’s enhanced fabrication processes, represented China’s most sophisticated semiconductor achievement to date according to industry analysts.

    Technology policy experts increasingly question the long-term effectiveness of US export controls, noting that restrictions appear to be accelerating Chinese technological independence rather than stifling it. The International Center for Law and Economics and Information Technology and Innovation Foundation both published analyses suggesting that American measures have inadvertently stimulated innovation within China’s technology sector.

    The two nations presented contrasting visions for global AI governance, with the US emphasizing competitive leadership through its AI Action Plan while China promoted multilateral cooperation and inclusion of developing nations through its Global AI Governance Initiative. Despite these divergent approaches, experts identified potential areas for collaboration including apolitical technical standards, public health datasets, and energy infrastructure development for data centers.

    As trade negotiations continue into 2026, technology remains deeply intertwined with broader economic discussions, with semiconductor and AI policy expected to remain central factors shaping the complex relationship between the world’s two largest economies.

  • Bubble fears, AGI deadlines: The AI boom hits crossroads in 2026

    Bubble fears, AGI deadlines: The AI boom hits crossroads in 2026

    The artificial intelligence sector enters 2026 at a pivotal crossroads, transitioning from unbridled optimism to pragmatic assessment as multiple challenges converge simultaneously. After three years of explosive growth and soaring valuations, the industry now confronts fundamental questions about its sustainability, societal impact, and technological trajectory.

    Financial markets are closely monitoring the AI investment landscape as concerns mount about a potential speculative bubble. Despite projections indicating global AI spending will exceed $2 trillion in 2026 according to Gartner, significant investors including Japan’s SoftBank and Peter Thiel have begun divesting Nvidia shares. This cautious movement contrasts with Nvidia’s reports of ‘off the charts’ chip demand, creating a complex financial picture that has even Google CEO Sundar Pichai warning that ‘no company is going to be immune’ to market corrections.

    The employment landscape faces unprecedented transformation as AI automation accelerates. While predictions vary considerably, McKinsey projects that 30% of US jobs could be automated by 2030, with 60% experiencing significant alteration. Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson acknowledges that ‘the AI phenomenon is here and influencing how firms think about the labour force.’ Contrary to dystopian forecasts, Gartner analysts suggest AI may create more jobs than it eliminates by 2027, though the nature of employment will undoubtedly evolve.

    Technological advancement continues at a breathtaking pace, with industry leaders predicting near-term breakthroughs in artificial general intelligence (AGI). Anthropic founder Dario Amodei contends the next AI evolution could emerge in 2026, potentially surpassing human intelligence levels. OpenAI’s Sam Altman anticipates creating a ‘legitimate AI researcher’ capable of independent discoveries by early 2028, while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg has invested hundreds of millions in AGI research during 2025 alone.

    The media industry confronts what consultant David Caswell describes as ‘the largest transformation in the information ecosystem since the printing press.’ Generative AI tools and Google’s AI overviews are fundamentally disrupting traditional revenue models by repurposing content without driving traffic to original sources. News organizations are exploring survival strategies including premium content models, technical blocking measures, and legal actions seeking compensation.

    A more immediate concern involves the proliferation of ‘AI slop’—low-quality AI-generated content that saturates digital platforms. This content, often presented as authentic, generates revenue through algorithmic gaming despite requiring minimal effort to produce. While platforms have implemented labeling systems and moderation protocols, no comprehensive solution has emerged to stem the tide of synthetic content threatening information integrity.

  • 2026 fashion trends: The battle between AI perfection and human mess

    2026 fashion trends: The battle between AI perfection and human mess

    The fashion industry stands at a technological crossroads in 2026 as major retailers deploy advanced artificial intelligence tools that promise to revolutionize how consumers select clothing. Google Shopping and Zara have launched sophisticated virtual try-on systems that generate hyper-realistic digital avatars, enabling shoppers to visualize garments without physical changing rooms.

    Google’s implementation leverages its ‘Nano Banana’ image editing technology to create detailed body doubles from user photographs, while Zara’s application requires both facial and full-body images to construct AI likenesses. These systems eliminate traditional shopping inconveniences—zippers, sizing inconsistencies, and fitting room queues—by presenting digitally perfected versions of users wearing selected items.

    However, this frictionless technological advancement has sparked a counter-movement celebrating human imperfection. Fashion futurists note growing consumer resistance to algorithmic perfection, predicting a resurgence of interest in the chaotic, experimental process that traditionally defined personal style development. Where teenagers once experimented with fashion in private bedrooms with disposable cameras documenting style evolution, contemporary youth face permanent digital footprints of every sartorial choice.

    The technology demonstrates significant limitations despite its advanced capabilities. Early adopters report discrepancies between AI projections and physical reality, with garments appearing differently in digital simulations versus actual wear. Dubai-based style influencer Irene Feeney noted that while the technology effectively identified unflattering garments, it occasionally misjudged items that would work well in reality.

    Critical shortcomings include the technology’s inability to convey textile weight, fabric texture, or physical comfort—essential components of fashion satisfaction. The AI cannot simulate the discomfort of high heels or the constriction of body-conscious garments, presenting only visually optimized outcomes without practical considerations.

    Industry analysts suggest these tools serve best as supplementary decision-making aids rather than replacement for physical shopping experiences. The technology proves particularly valuable for coordinating accessories and footwear with existing wardrobe items, though generation times currently approximate physical changing room durations.

    This technological development represents broader cultural tensions between algorithmic efficiency and human experiential learning, with fashion becoming the latest battlefield in the ongoing negotiation between digital convenience and authentic human experience.

  • Elon Musk’s Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes

    Elon Musk’s Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes

    Elon Musk’s social media platform X confronts mounting criticism as users exploit its Grok AI chatbot to generate non-consensual sexualized imagery. Investigations reveal the tool’s capability to digitally strip clothing from photographs of women, fabricating bikini-clad appearances and placing subjects in explicit scenarios without authorization.

    Journalist Samantha Smith described the profound personal impact after encountering a manipulated image resembling her. “The experience felt dehumanizing,” she stated. “Though not an actual photograph, the visual representation felt authentically violating—comparable to unauthorized nude dissemination.”

    This controversy emerges amidst UK legislative developments targeting such technologies. A Home Office spokesperson confirmed impending bans on nudification tools, warning that providers could face imprisonment and significant financial penalties. Regulatory body Ofcom emphasized platforms’ legal obligation to mitigate risks of illegal content exposure, though stopped short of confirming specific investigations into X or Grok.

    Grok operates as a freely accessible AI assistant with premium tiers, enabling users to generate contextual responses and manipulate images through integrated editing features. Critics note the platform’s prolonged tolerance of sexually explicit content generation, including previously reported AI-generated pornography featuring celebrity Taylor Swift.

    Durham University law professor Clare McGlynn accused X of permitting systemic abuse: “The platform demonstrates capability to prevent these violations but appears to enjoy impunity. Regulatory challenges remain absent despite months of unchecked image distribution.”

    Ironically, XAI’s acceptable use policy explicitly prohibits “depicting likenesses of persons in pornographic manner.” Ofcom reinforced that UK law categorizes AI-generated sexual deepfakes as illegal non-consensual intimate imagery, requiring platforms to implement protective measures and rapid removal protocols.