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Canada opens investigation into AI firm behind ChatGPT

Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner has launched an investigation into OpenAI, the US-based software firm behind ChatGPT, following a complaint alleging unauthorized collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. ChatGPT, known for its ability to generate content from brief prompts, has raised concerns about data privacy and security. This move comes amidst growing calls for increased scrutiny of AI-powered technologies, including a recent call by Elon Musk and global experts for a pause in research on more powerful AI systems due to risks to society. Italy has also blocked ChatGPT over data use concerns, and Europol has warned about potential criminal exploitation of conversational bots.

US House speaker meets Taiwan president despite Beijing’s threats

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen in California, prompting outrage from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and opposes any official contact between Taipei and other countries. McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai, a compromise to underscore support for Taiwan without inflaming tensions with China, comes after Pelosi’s visit last year. China has responded with threats and rhetoric, and its response may be shaped by McCarthy’s public statements after the meeting. China’s consulate in Los Angeles condemned the meeting, stating it would hurt Chinese national feelings and undermine China-US relations.

Defiant Trump pleads not guilty to 34 criminal charges

Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in a packed New York courtroom, marking the countdown to the first ever criminal trial of an American president. The charges relate to hush money payments, including to an adult film actress, and falsifying business records. A trial could start as soon as January, ahead of the presidential primaries. Trump claims he is the victim of “political persecution” and is using the case to energise supporters and raise funds for his 2024 White House bid.

Finland joins NATO in historic shift sparked by Russia’s war

Finland becomes the 31st member of NATO, marking a strategic shift that ends decades of military non-alignment. Western officials will now urge Hungary and Turkey to lift their block on Sweden, so it can also join. Finland’s membership will double the length of the US-led alliance’s land border with Russia, which drew an angry warning of “countermeasures” from the Kremlin.

Virgin Orbit files for bankruptcy in the United States

Richard Branson’s rocket company, Virgin Orbit, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, allowing it to continue its business operations while restructuring its debts. The company stated that it has taken significant efforts to address its financial position and secure additional financing, but ultimately decided to do what is best for the business. Virgin Orbit’s sister company, Virgin Investments, will inject US$31.6 million into the satellite launcher to help it stay afloat while the business searches for a new owner.

TikTok fined US$15.9 million in UK for flouting under-13 age limit

TikTok has been fined £12.7m (US$15.9m) by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for violating its own rules by allowing up to 1.4 million children under 13 to use its social media platform without the consent of their parents or guardians. The platform’s terms of service do not permit children under 13 to set up accounts.

Credit Suisse chiefs say sorry to shocked shareholders

Credit Suisse chairman Axel Lehmann apologized to shareholders at the bank’s final AGM, stating that he was “truly sorry” that the bank could not be saved. The AGM came 16 days after Credit Suisse was taken over by larger Swiss rival UBS, in a mega-merger in which the shareholders of both banks had no say at all. Shareholders voiced their frustrations, with some in tears, as they counted the cost of the bank’s implosion.

China warns Philippine-US base deal ‘endangering regional peace’

China accused the US of endangering regional peace after it signed a deal with the Philippines allowing US troops to use four additional bases in the country, including one near the disputed South China Sea and another near Taiwan. The deal allows US forces to access a total of nine Philippine bases, in addition to storing defence equipment and supplies. The US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement aims to counter China’s increasing assertiveness over Taiwan and bases in the South China Sea.

Cryptocurrency surges as Musk changes Twitter logo to ‘meme dog’

Elon Musk changed the Twitter logo to a Shiba Inu dog associated with the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, causing the price to surge over 20%. Despite being sued for promoting the volatile coin, Musk has used his 133 million followers to promote himself and humorously pump up the value of the cryptocurrency.

Credit Suisse chiefs face the music at AGM

Credit Suisse shareholders will express their frustrations with the bank’s takeover by UBS at the annual general meeting in Zurich, with the AGM being held at the Hallenstadion on Tuesday. Shareholders had no say in the mega-merger arranged by the Swiss government, the central bank, and the financial regulator, causing unease across Switzerland. The meeting will allow shareholders to express their dissatisfaction or anger until the takeover is complete.