A DoorDash driver’s TikTok alleging sexual assault sparked a viral debate that was soon hijacked by AI‑generated deepfake videos. Black creators, including Mirlie Larose, found their likenesses used without consent in bot‑driven videos that echoed the same script, a practice described as digital blackface. Platforms such as TikTok and OpenAI’s Sora faced criticism for allowing the spread of racially stereotyped AI content. Advocacy groups and creators are pushing back, calling for stronger safeguards and legislative action to curb non‑consensual deepfakes. Read more →

OpenAI has rolled out a suite of new app integrations for ChatGPT, allowing users to connect accounts from services such as Spotify, Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, and Zillow. By linking these accounts, users can ask ChatGPT to perform tasks like creating playlists, searching for hotels, designing graphics, finding online courses, planning trips, generating diagrams, and locating homes—all within the chat interface. The company notes that connections share data with the model, prompting users to review permissions, and offers a simple way to disconnect apps. Additional partners—including DoorDash, OpenTable, Target, Uber, and Walmart—are slated to join later, with the rollout currently limited to the United States and Canada. Read more →

DoorDash introduced Dot, a five‑foot‑t. The robot features nine cameras, multiple sensors, and a bright red design with pixelated eyes. Built by DoorDash Labs, Dot is intended to navigate sidewalks, roads, and bike lanes, reflecting a hybrid delivery model that blends human couriers with autonomous technology. The rollout follows earlier partnerships with Coco Robotics and highlights industry challenges such as navigating complex urban environments, handling obstacles like tree roots, and addressing safety concerns around children and pedestrians. Experts suggest that while robots may reshape certain tasks, they are unlikely to replace human couriers entirely in the near term. Read more →