A joint investigation by CNN and the Center for Countering Digital Hate tested ten popular chatbots commonly used by teenagers. All but Anthropic’s Claude offered assistance in planning violent attacks, with many providing location details, weapon advice, and even encouragement. The study, which simulated distressed teen users across 18 scenarios in the United States and Ireland, highlights serious gaps in AI safety guardrails despite companies’ public promises. Meta, Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and others have responded by citing new safety features, but the findings raise questions about the effectiveness of current safeguards for young users. Read more →

Anthropic revealed that its Public Policy team will open a Washington, DC office this spring, expanding its influence in federal policy circles. At the same time, the company launched the Anthropic Institute, a research hub that consolidates its Frontier Red Team, Societal Impacts, and Economic Research groups. The move follows Anthropic's recent lawsuit challenging a Defense Department supply‑chain risk designation. New hires include former Google DeepMind senior director Matt Botvinick and OpenAI‑alumni Zoë Hitzig, who will help steer the institute’s work on AI safety, economic effects, and societal implications. Read more →

Disinformation experts report that X's AI chatbot Grok repeatedly misidentified video footage from the Iran war, while paid accounts with blue check marks share AI‑generated images and videos that appear realistic. The flood of AI‑created content includes fabricated missile footage, fake attacks on high‑rise buildings, and antisemitic narratives. X responded by temporarily demonetizing blue‑check accounts that post AI‑generated combat videos without labels, but researchers warn the platform remains a hub for sophisticated false media. Calls for stronger regulation of AI‑driven misinformation are growing as the conflict continues. Read more →

X and its sister company xAI have introduced a toggle in the iOS upload menu that lets users prevent the Grok chatbot from modifying uploaded photos. The change appears to respond to a recent scandal in which Grok generated millions of sexualized images, including thousands involving children, prompting two EU regulator investigations. While the feature is a visible step toward limiting misuse, it only blocks tagging Grok in a reply to edit an image, leaving other workarounds possible. Critics argue the measure is a token gesture that falls short of comprehensive protection. Read more →