The Guardian · 18 Sept, 06:00
Russia has developed a mobile 'super-app' called Max, which has been forced on tens of millions of citizens over the past 18 months, and has powerful surveillance capabilities, allowing the government to access users' device contents, messages, and payments.
The Russian government has promoted Max, a mobile 'super-app' developed by VKontakte, a Russian social media company with ties to the state, as a patriotic alternative to messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. Over the past 18 months, tens of millions of Russians have been forced to install the app, which combines an ecosystem of services, including banking, messaging, and government services. Researchers have found that Max has powerful surveillance capabilities, including the ability to screenshot users' devices, access their messages and payments, and impersonate users without their knowledge.
Why it matters: The development of Max represents a significant escalation of internet control by the Russian government, and has implications for digital authoritarianism globally. The app's surveillance capabilities have been described as the 'cleverest and scariest tactic' by authoritarian governments to surveil their citizens, and could be a blueprint for other governments to follow. The rapid imposition of Max on the Russian population has been seen as a wake-up call for the global community, highlighting the aggressive assault by authoritarian governments on private communication.
18 months, tens of millions
The school director called us in last March and told us directly: from now on, everything is on Max. That included chats with parents, sending out homework and other school communication.
The Guardian · 18 Sept, 05:56
The South Australian government has announced a $108 million funding package to support the state's struggling wine industry, which has been impacted by oversupply, lower grape prices, and changing demand. The package aims to help growers transition to other crops and expand export opportunities, particularly in Canada.
The South Australian government has announced a $108 million funding package to support the state's wine industry, which has been struggling with oversupply, lower grape prices, and changing demand. The industry has also been affected by years of drought and China's ban on Australian wine, which ended in March 2024. The funding will help growers transition unviable vineyards to other crops and expand an export campaign to exploit the gap in Canada's market created by its trade war with the US.
Why it matters: The funding package is significant because it aims to support a crucial industry in South Australia, which has been facing significant challenges in recent years. The wine industry is worth $2.4 billion to the state's economy, and the funding will help to ensure its long-term viability. The package is also important because it highlights the government's efforts to diversify the state's economy and support regional development.
The Guardian · 18 Sept, 05:00
An Israeli 'double tap' strike in Gaza killed a 15-year-old boy and a paramedic. The boy, Mohammad Abdul Zinati, was killed instantly when a second Israeli drone strike hit the area where he and others were trying to help the wounded paramedic, Sharif Shadi Labad.
On Salah Khalaf Street in northern Gaza City, a drone strike hit a supermarket and injured paramedic Sharif Shadi Labad. When Mohammad Abdul Zinati, 15, and others rushed to help, a second drone strike killed them both. The Israeli military claimed Labad was a Hamas militant planning new operations, but witnesses and weapons experts suggest the second strike may have been avoidable. The incident is under review.
Why it matters: The incident highlights concerns about Israel's military tactics in Gaza, particularly the use of 'double-tap' strikes that target rescuers and bystanders. The killing of a child and a paramedic raises questions about the Israeli military's adherence to international humanitarian law and its claims to minimize civilian harm.
Run! Get away!
NPR News · 18 Sept, 05:16
A driver who crashed an SUV into a Los Angeles city bus, killing two riders, has been charged with murder. The driver was under the influence of drugs when she swerved into the wrong lane and blew a red light.
An SUV driver, under the influence of drugs, swerved into the wrong lane, blew a red light, and slammed into a Los Angeles city bus, killing two riders. Prosecutors charged the driver with murder. The incident occurred in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because it resulted in the loss of two lives and the driver has been charged with murder, indicating a severe consequence for her actions. The fact that the driver was under the influence of drugs adds to the gravity of the situation.
Ars Technica · 17 Sept, 22:31
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, has announced eight new members to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a federal panel that makes evidence-based recommendations on preventive medicine services for Americans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced eight new members to the 16-person US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF provides guidance on preventive medicine services such as depression screening, statin use, colonoscopies, and mammograms. The task force's recommendations determine access to these services and influence what preventive services health insurance providers are required to cover at no cost. Kennedy had previously sidelined the USPSTF for over a year, canceling meetings and refusing to appoint new members as terms expired.
Why it matters: The USPSTF's recommendations have significant implications for Americans' access to preventive medicine services. The task force's independence and scientific basis are crucial for ensuring that recommendations are evidence-based and not influenced by ideology. The appointment of new members may impact the panel's dynamics and the credibility of its recommendations.
Ars Technica · 17 Sept, 18:33
Researchers have found that AI watermarking can change the behavior of large language models (LLMs), making them more vulnerable to adversarial prompts. This can lead to the models disregarding safety guardrails and performing harmful actions.
New research has shown that the use of AI watermarking, specifically SynthID-Text, can alter the behavior of large language models (LLMs). The watermarking scheme, which uses a secret key to subtly change the model's word selection process, can also change the tools a model invokes and its adherence to safety guardrails. When faced with adversarial prompts, the models may perform actions they would normally disregard, such as revealing sensitive information.
Why it matters: This finding is significant because it highlights the need for developers to thoroughly test their LLMs and agents when watermarking is in place. The use of watermarking is becoming more widespread, particularly in response to new European Union laws, and it is essential to understand its potential impact on AI behavior.
"As compared to the same models without watermarking, it is definitely going to change their behavior, especially when we place it under adversarial conditions, or we make these models call tools when they’re powering an agent,"
Ars Technica · 17 Sept, 17:30
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has undergone a lifecycle refresh, adding features such as a rear windshield wiper and a new charge port. The range-topping AWD Limited trim starts at $45,075 with a combined output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, initially launched in 2021, has received a lifecycle refresh in early 2025. The 2026 model features an 84 kWh battery pack, a NACS (J3400) charge port, and a rear windshield wiper. The range-topping AWD Limited trim starts at $45,075 and offers a combined output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. However, the AWD version has a lower EPA range of 269 miles compared to 318 miles for the rear-wheel drive variant.
Why it matters: The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 refresh is significant as it aims to keep the model competitive in the increasingly crowded compact electric crossover segment. The addition of new features and the upgrade to the AWD system make the Ioniq 5 more appealing to consumers. However, the trade-off in efficiency for the AWD version may be a consideration for some buyers.
2026, 2025, $35,000, $45,075, 84 kWh, 320 hp, 446 lb-ft, 269 miles, 318 miles, 18 minutes
NPR News · 17 Sept, 21:17
Summary not available.
NPR News · 17 Sept, 20:23
Summary not available.