China is proposing strict new regulations aimed at the emotional impact of AI companions. The rules would require guardian consent for minors and force chatbots to avoid harmful topics. It’s a direct move to combat user addiction and dependency.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a law requiring social media platforms to display prominent warnings about features deemed harmful to mental health. The law targets algorithmic feeds, infinite scroll, and push notifications, with fines of $5,000 per violation.
A new report shows U.S. lawmakers are cautiously starting to use AI tools like ChatGPT for basic tasks. The shift is happening even among the technology’s biggest critics in Congress.
China’s internet regulator has drafted rules for AI systems that simulate human personalities. The proposal requires these AIs to reflect “core socialist values” and includes measures to prevent addiction. Public comments are being solicited until January 25, 2026.
In a move that’s more warning than weapon, the US will impose tariffs on semiconductors from China starting in 2027. The initial rate, however, is set at zero percent, turning the policy into a long-term bargaining chip.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a strict AI safety law, requiring large companies to publish safety plans and report issues within 72 hours. This comes just days after President Trump issued an executive order aiming to block states from regulating AI, teeing up a constitutional clash.
At the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference, Joseph Gordon-Levitt challenged the tech industry’s resistance to regulation. He argued that without legal guardrails, ethical behavior becomes a competitive disadvantage, pushing companies toward “dark outcomes.”
Intel has appointed a former Trump administration official to lead its government affairs team. The move comes just four months after the U.S. government took a 9.9% equity stake in the chipmaker using $8.9 billion in CHIPS Act funds.
India’s tech ministry has directed VPN providers to block access to websites that unlawfully expose citizens’ personal data. The order, citing the IT Act 2000 and IT Rules 2021, fundamentally conflicts with how privacy-focused VPNs operate.
Lawmakers and experts from both parties are sounding the alarm over the FBI’s use of Section 702 of FISA. They argue it’s being used for warrantless spying on Americans and must be reformed or allowed to expire in April 2026.
