Noontime News Recap: Russia election opens under pressure as Middle East tensions and Ukraine strikes escalate
Russia has opened a three day parliamentary election for the State Duma, with voting starting in the far east and expected to deliver another victory for President Vladimir Putin, even as a report says the Kremlin has intensified a pre election crackdown. π πUkraine said a morning Russian drone attack injured five people, including three children, in the Kyiv region near the capital, while separate strikes hit Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro. Poland also warned that Russia may try to carry out drone and rocket attacks against NATO states backing Ukraine, and said its airspace remains restricted. π πIn the Middle East,... [Continue Reading]
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Boko Haram fighters and ISIL supporters accused of using AI chatbots for bombmaking and attack planning
Boko Haram fighters and supporters of the wider ISIL movement are being linked to the use of major artificial intelligence chatbots for bombmaking, attack planning and battlefield problem-solving, according to research and exclusive material described in the supplied reporting. The findings focus on northeastern Nigeria and on online spaces used by ISIL supporters, where users were said to be sharing ways to bypass AI safeguards. The material points to a developing pattern in which extremist groups are adapting consumer AI tools for operational use.Researchers from the University of Cambridge said they interviewed 27 former members of Boko Haram's two factions,... [Continue Reading]
Spain advances Sahrawi citizenship bill amid concern in Morocco
Spain's lower house of parliament has approved a bill that would create a special route to Spanish citizenship for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 29 September 1977, with first-degree descendants also covered. The measure passed by 168 votes to 31, with 145 abstentions, and now moves to the Senate for further scrutiny. The proposal is being watched closely in Morocco because of its possible effect on Spain's wider relationship with Rabat.Under the bill, eligible Sahrawis would be able to apply through a special procedure without meeting the normal residency requirement. The text would also shorten the residence period for... [Continue Reading]
