Commission structure concerns

The developers said in an open letter published Monday on the WeChat blog of signatory Tian Junwei that Apple failed to fulfill commitments to offer the lowest commission rates in China despite generating significant revenue from the country's large developer base. They argued that Apple's exclusive control over iOS app distribution allows it to impose "unfair and excessively high" costs, effectively limiting competition and squeezing local creators.

Global regulatory scrutiny

Apple's App Store typically charges commissions of up to 30 percent on digital purchases, though reduced rates for small businesses apply in certain markets. The company faces mounting regulatory pressure worldwide as authorities across the European Union, the United States and Asia examine whether its policies unfairly restrict competition.

The complaint was published Monday on the WeChat blog of developer Tian Junwei, according to the daily. Neither Apple nor China's market regulator immediately commented on the filing when reached by the outlet.

Samsung Electronics has generated more than $1 billion in revenue from its sixth-generation high bandwidth memory chips just four months after launching mass production in February, according to industry sources cited by Yonhap. The South Korean technology giant became the first company worldwide to begin shipments of HBM4 products earlier this year, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly expanding high bandwidth memory sector.

Industry observers expect the company's HBM4 revenue to reach $1.2 billion by the end of June, reflecting sharply accelerating demand for advanced memory solutions in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Samsung has significantly scaled shipments since the February launch, reinforcing its competitive standing against rivals in the critical semiconductor market.

AI accelerator integration

The HBM4 chips serve as a critical component for next-generation artificial intelligence systems, enabling higher bandwidth and faster data processing for complex computing workloads. Samsung designed the new memory specifically for advanced AI accelerators, including Nvidia's forthcoming Vera Rubin platform, which is expected to power future generative AI applications. While fifth-generation HBM3E products currently dominate the global market, industry analysts anticipate HBM4 will emerge as a primary growth driver as AI chip demand continues to surge.

2026 sales outlook

Samsung is projected to sharply increase HBM4 shipments during the second half of this year, with annual sales forecast to exceed $10 billion in 2026 — the product's first full year on the market. Sources told Yonhap that such a revenue figure would be unprecedented for a newly launched memory product in its initial year of mass production. The global HBM market is estimated to reach $54.6 billion this year, representing a 58% increase from 2024 levels.

Fair ranking requirements

Under the new "Fair Ranking" rule, Google must apply objective, non-discriminatory criteria when ordering organic search results, including those appearing in its AI-powered Overviews, and provide businesses with advance notice of significant ranking changes. "Search is a vital gateway for businesses in the UK to reach customers, and clearer, predictable and more transparent ranking systems could give them greater scope to expand and invest," said Will Hayter, executive director for digital markets at the CMA. The regulator noted that UK firms had previously warned unexplained ranking shifts held them back from investing.

Data portability mandate

The second requirement obliges Google to permit users to transfer their search data to authorized third parties, legally cementing an existing voluntary process and allowing independent firms such as rewards platforms or travel companies to offer personalized discounts. This puts UK user rights on par with those in the European Union, according to the regulator. Google faces a six-month deadline to implement the fair ranking rules and three months to satisfy the data portability mandate, according to the timetable set by the watchdog.

Broader regulatory push

The decision forms part of a wider crackdown by British authorities targeting major technology firms under the new digital markets framework. The authority last year classified both Google and Apple as holding "strategic market status" under the framework, and has recently opened a comparable probe into Microsoft's business software ecosystem.

Steel Dome architecture

The system includes cost-effective low-altitude defense elements such as Korkut and Gurz, radars operating at different altitudes, and Hisar systems forming the middle layer, while Siper is positioned in the upper layer. Aselsan said Steel Dome brings together several air defense weapon systems, radars, electro-optical solutions, communication modules, command-and-control stations, and artificial intelligence capabilities. The company is also developing Hakim, a higher-level command-and-control solution designed to coordinate the systems within Steel Dome, along with sensor and communication solutions.

Siper 2 firing test

Separately, the new version of Siper long-range air defense system, Siper 2, successfully completed its latest firing test. Defense Industries Secretary Haluk Gorgun wrote: “The distributed architecture-based, long-range regional air and missile defense system SIPER 2, which plays a critical role at the strategic level, successfully destroyed a maneuvering target.” He added that Siper 2 will operate at longer ranges and higher altitudes compared to Siper 1. For Türkiye, the deal and successful test mark significant progress in reducing foreign dependency in air defense, a strategic priority amid regional threats from Iran’s missile program and ongoing conflicts.

Spending gap

Companies in the top 1% of AI expenditures spend around $7,450 per employee every month, while companies in the top 10% spend $611, and the median company's monthly AI spending per worker is $11.38. This trend showed that access to AI transformed from a standard tool into a competitive factor highly varying depending on financial funds, technology strategy, and risk appetite.

SME adoption

According to the OECD's November 2025 report, 31% of SMEs use generative AI, while non-users cited the technology was unsuitable for their use cases, along with copyright, legal, and regulatory issues. Only 28.6% of SMEs using generative AI prepared usage guidelines for workers, meaning AI use often occurs via individual initiative rather than comprehensive policies.

Workforce challenges

McKinsey's January 2025 report showed workers expect more support and training during the AI transition. Workers often adopt generative AI tools faster than managers expect, creating a need for usage policies, skill-development programs, and risk management mechanisms. Experts say inequality from the AI transition can emerge both among companies and workers, as those with access to enterprise subscriptions gain greater benefits.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday that the state has sued TikTok, accusing the platform of violating a 2025 law restricting social media access for minors by allowing children under 14 to create accounts and deceiving parents about the app's dangers. The legal action alleges that the Chinese-owned company actively targeted minors while misleading families about the nature of its content.

Speaking at a news conference in Tallahassee, Uthmeier stated that the platform's business model depends on youth engagement. "TikTok's success hinges on its ability to addict children and teenagers to the platform," he said. The lawsuit claims the company knowingly exposes minors to harmful material while assuring parents of its safety.

Allegations of deception

The lawsuit contends that TikTok permitted users under 14 years old to register despite the statewide prohibition, and allowed 15- and 16-year-olds to open accounts without obtaining parental consent as required by Florida statute. The state also accuses the company of violating the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by falsely assuring parents that the platform was appropriate for minors.

"TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law," Uthmeier said in a statement issued by his office. "We have zero tolerance for companies that prioritize profit over children's safety. TikTok should expect to be held accountable."

State restrictions on minors

Florida enacted the restrictions in 2025 as part of broader efforts to limit youth access to social media, mandating that platforms verify age and obtain parental authorization for teenage users. The law bars children under 14 from maintaining accounts on any social media service and requires explicit permission from guardians for 15- and 16-year-old account holders.

The legal action represents the latest escalation in US states' attempts to regulate TikTok's operations amid ongoing federal scrutiny of the platform's data practices and its parent company ByteDance's ties to China. Similar legislative efforts have emerged in multiple jurisdictions as lawmakers scrutinize the mental health impacts of algorithmic content recommendation systems.

Expert criticism

The move prompted criticism from cybersecurity executives and researchers, who sent an open letter to the Trump administration calling for the restrictions to be lifted. The signatories argued that Fable 5 and Mythos 5 do not possess unique capabilities unavailable in other advanced AI systems and warned that limiting access could weaken both US leadership in artificial intelligence and cyber defense efforts. They also called for future AI risk assessments to be conducted through a more transparent and scientific process. Anthropic defended the effectiveness of safeguards designed to prevent harmful uses, while the government expressed concern that Fable 5 could potentially be “jailbroken.”

Military tensions

The restrictions come amid broader tensions between Anthropic and the US government over military applications of advanced AI systems. Anthropic has resisted allowing its technology to be used for certain military purposes, citing concerns about surveillance of US citizens and autonomous weapons. The Pentagon later designated the company a procurement-security risk, and President Trump directed federal agencies to halt the use of Anthropic technology.

Iran's Bank Coordination Council announced on Sunday that a "limited cyberattack" disrupted operations at four major state lenders — including the National Bank of Iran, Bank Tejarat, Bank Saderat Iran, and Bank Tosee Saderat — targeting their shared communications infrastructure without breaching customer data systems. The council said technical teams immediately implemented protective measures after detecting unusual activity within the network. "Technical teams immediately implemented the necessary preventive and protective measures to protect customer data and the country's banking infrastructure after identifying unusual signs," the council said in a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency.

Data integrity maintained

Officials emphasized that the incident remained confined to shared communication channels and did not compromise sensitive information. "Detailed technical investigations indicate that this disruption was caused by a limited cyberattack on the shared communication infrastructure of these four banks, and fortunately, no unauthorized access to customer information occurred and no information was deleted," the council stated. The announcement underscored that preventive protocols had effectively shielded the country's broader banking infrastructure from more severe penetration.

Recovery operations

All infrastructure systems are now under the control of technical experts, the council noted, adding that recovery and security operations are ongoing to restore full operational capacity across the affected institutions. The disruption marks the latest in a series of cyber incidents targeting regional financial networks, though Iranian authorities indicated that customer assets and personal records remained fully secure throughout the breach.

Neurological exploitation

Speaking at the Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Summit, Bayraktar said contemporary threats increasingly target supply chains, data centers, and personal devices rather than conventional armies massing at borders. "Today, the greatest threat to our independence is not conventional armies massing at our borders," he said, adding that background AI systems analyze neurological vulnerabilities to trigger dopamine releases through content explicitly optimized for anger, hedonism, and fear.

Open-source alternative

To counter the resource monopolies of global technology cartels, Bayraktar urged developing nations and allied countries to construct independent, transparent, and auditable open-source ecosystems rather than competing on raw processing power. He compared modern digital giants' immense energy demands to ancient monolithic structures built to elevate rulers' egos, advocating instead for distributed learning architectures that keep sensitive data localized within national borders while algorithms train across networks without violating privacy.

Domestic platforms

He highlighted domestic platforms developed by the Teknofest generation to secure digital autonomy, including NSosyal, which facilitates face-to-face style communication without toxic algorithms, TE3 AI, a large language model trained on local cultural values, and Kure, an open-source encyclopedia delivering verified knowledge. "The ultimate bearer of this cause and goal is not the speed of the machine, but the consciousness of the human being," Bayraktar said, noting that Baykar develops autonomous drone swarms and doctrine-altering defense technologies through this youth-driven movement.

The defense industry executive said through the social media platform X that the summit would convene at Rixos Tersane Istanbul at 3:30 pm local time (1230GMT). "At the summit, where we will unveil our vision for artificial intelligence, we will discuss our civilization's horizon for the future and the importance of remaining human in an increasingly mechanized world," Bayraktar said, underscoring the cultural dimensions of technological development.

Defense industry context

Baykar, which Bayraktar leads as chairperson and technology leader, has established itself as a flagship defense technology company in Türkiye, developing unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced systems that have positioned the nation as a significant player in global defense markets. The summit represents the company's expanding footprint into artificial intelligence research and strategic technology planning.

Global competition

The event takes place amid intensifying international competition in artificial intelligence development, with nations worldwide racing to establish regulatory frameworks and industrial capabilities. Analysts note that formalizing a national AI vision represents a critical step for Türkiye as it seeks to expand its influence in high-technology industries beyond defense applications.

Cybercrime network targeted millions via 'smishing'

The legal complaint identifies the defendants as members of an organized operation that coordinated through Telegram channels to distribute phishing kits enabling mass impersonation of Google and other trusted brands. The network dispatched approximately 2.5 million messages to Android users over a two-week span in May, directing recipients to malicious websites designed to harvest credentials, while Android users flagged approximately 55,000 spam texts during the same period. The fraudulent campaigns employed urgent social engineering tactics, including warnings about compromised accounts and fake package-tracking alerts, to persuade victims to click malicious links linked to roughly 9,000 fake websites hosting more than 1 million fraudulent URLs.

Google Gemini used to write malicious code

Google alleged that members of the cybercrime network specifically encouraged one another to use the company's Gemini chatbot to generate custom code for malicious websites. The technology giant said it coordinated with major US carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to block the fraudulent messages before delivery, while simultaneously working alongside federal law enforcement agencies. The legal action arrives as technology companies and telecommunications operators face intensifying pressure to dismantle automated "smishing" infrastructure that leverages trusted brand identities and large-scale messaging systems to exploit mobile users.

International crew

Commander Randy Bresnik, a retired Marine Corps colonel and test pilot, will lead the team. He previously commanded the International Space Station. The crew includes Mission Specialist Frank Rubio, a US Army physician and helicopter pilot who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American; Mission Specialist Andre Douglas, a Coast Guard reserve commander making his debut flight; and pilot Luca Parmitano, an Italian Air Force colonel representing the European Space Agency (ESA). NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said astronauts will dock the Orion spacecraft with landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Future lunar base

If Artemis III succeeds, NASA intends to land a crew at the lunar South Pole during Artemis IV in 2028. The crew will help develop operational procedures for future lunar residents as the agency aims to establish a permanent base for scientific and economic research.

The fifth and final stage involves autonomous agents capable of designing and training their own successor models, potentially enabling continuous self-improvement cycles with limited human oversight. Anthropic published these findings in a recent technical report that adds to growing concerns about the pace of AI advancement, according to the agency.

Global warnings and regulatory calls

The technical developments emerge against a backdrop of sustained warnings from academics, technology leaders and religious figures about the risks posed by increasingly advanced AI systems. In March 2023, the Future of Life Institute published an open letter signed by Elon Musk and other prominent figures calling for a six-month pause on training systems more powerful than GPT-4. The letter cautioned that AI approaching human-level intelligence could trigger massive job losses, widespread misinformation campaigns and a potential loss of human control over civilization.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the issue in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, released in May, calling for an outright halt to AI development and urging nations to decouple the technology from military and economic competition. These appeals have gained little traction among major technology firms, which continue to announce significant advances in autonomous capabilities.

Investment surge continues

The global technology sector is projected to increase AI spending by 47% year-on-year in 2026 to $2.59 trillion, with further growth to $3.49 trillion expected in 2027, according to a Gartner report released in May. This investment surge represents one of the primary obstacles to slowing development despite repeated calls for caution from public figures and safety advocates.

The projections indicate that financial momentum behind autonomous AI research continues to build regardless of the warnings issued by the Future of Life Institute and religious leaders. Spending is expected to reach $3.49 trillion by 2027 as firms race to develop the autonomous capabilities described in Anthropic's five-stage framework.

Türkiye's T3 Foundation has received the “Bright Spark” award from ECSITE, Europe's largest science communication network, during the organization's 2026 conference held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Elvan Kuzucu Hidir, chairperson of the foundation, said the honor served as a significant indicator of international recognition for the T3 ecosystem and its approach to youth engagement.

The award was presented at the Mariano Gago Awards ceremony between June 2 and 4, demonstrating that Türkiye's model for guiding young people toward science and technology production resonated across the continent. The foundation announced the recognition on Monday, noting that the accolade highlighted the success of its scalable youth technology programs.

International gathering

ECSITE brings together over 400 science centers, museums, research organizations, and science communication institutions from more than 50 countries, according to the network. The 2026 conference, hosted by Universeum in Gothenburg, gathered approximately 900 science communication professionals, museum managers, educators, and industry representatives for the annual meeting.

T3 Foundation organizes TEKNOFEST — the world's largest aviation, space, and technology festival — which serves as the organization's flagship platform for involving millions of young people in practical innovation and entrepreneurship. The foundation's ecosystem has engaged youth directly in technology production processes, creating a model that the “Bright Spark” award specifically recognized for its impact and scalability.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck Mindanao in the Philippines on Monday, revising its preliminary magnitude of 7.3 upward following detailed seismological analysis. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), the Potsdam-based research center reported. GFZ monitors seismic activity globally through its extensive network of geophysical observation stations.

Tsunami threat issued for region

The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for coastal areas shortly after detecting the offshore quake, warning of potentially hazardous waves approaching shorelines near the epicenter. The shallow depth of the tremor increases the risk of sea level disturbances affecting the southern Philippines. Local authorities typically advise residents to evacuate to higher ground following such warnings.

Seismic monitoring operations

GFZ operates as one of Europe's leading geoscience research centers, providing real-time earthquake data to international agencies and governments worldwide. The institution routinely revises magnitude estimates as additional seismic data becomes available from global monitoring networks. Monday's quake struck one of the most seismically active regions of the Philippines, located along the boundaries of major tectonic plates.

Safety posture

Bethany Stevens, a NASA spokeswoman, confirmed the precautionary measure on X, stating the agency directed its SpaceX Crew-12 contingent — including NASA astronaut Chris Williams — to assume an elevated safety posture inside the Dragon capsule during repair operations. Four of the seven astronauts currently stationed aboard the orbiting laboratory relocated to the docked spacecraft at the direction of NASA mission control, according to the agency's statement.

Module integrity

The air leak originates from the PrK transfer tunnel in the Zvezda module, a section that has suffered from cracks for an extended period despite mitigation efforts by Roscosmos, Russia's space agency. "The Zvezda service module transfer tunnel, known as PrK, has suffered from cracks and leaks for some time, and has been mitigated by Roscosmos as much as possible to date," Stevens noted, adding that both agencies have been working to determine the root cause of the fissures.

Roscosmos is scheduled to carry out repair work on Friday while NASA continues monitoring the situation closely. "We continue to work with our Russian counterparts, along with the rest of the international community that supports the space station, to arrive at a more permanent resolution," Stevens said. The Zvezda module serves as a primary service and living quarters for the Russian segment of the station, which currently hosts seven crew members total.

The board will specifically assess whether Meta breached competition regulations by integrating its Meta AI service into WhatsApp while preventing third-party AI providers from offering services through the messaging platform. The Competition Board decided on May 14 to initiate the formal probe after reviewing evidence from the preliminary inquiry.

Interim requirements

During the preliminary investigation, the authority found serious indications that Meta's practices prevented third-party general-purpose generative AI chatbots and assistants from providing services through WhatsApp as a primary platform, which could constitute a violation of competition rules. To prevent irreparable harm pending a final decision, the board imposed an interim measure requiring Meta to establish conditions enabling third-party AI services to operate through WhatsApp.

The authority emphasized that these conditions must not create de facto or economic obstacles hindering the provision of such services. If Meta fails to comply with the interim measure obligations within one month of receiving the reasoned decision, the company will face administrative fines, the statement added.

Verifiable multilateral halt

The company emphasized that any meaningful pause would require leading developers at or near the technological frontier to stop under identical conditions while maintaining robust mechanisms to verify genuine compliance. "If such systems existed, we expect that we would slow down or temporarily pause, if other developers at or near the frontier also did so in a verifiable manner," Anthropic said.

Erosion of human oversight

Anthropic noted that AI systems are increasingly assuming tasks previously performed by human engineers, with evidence suggesting that "the human role is narrowing at each step in the AI development process." More than 80 percent of code merged into the company's production codebase is now written by Claude, its AI assistant, while engineers produce eight times more code per quarter than during the 2021-2025 period, the report stated. "Put simply: the doing now costs almost nothing in human time," the company added, predicting that humans will eventually stop writing code entirely and shift exclusively to review functions.

Recursive improvement risks

The company warned that these trends could lead to "recursive self-improvement," where AI systems design and develop their own successors without human intervention. While such capabilities could accelerate scientific advances, Anthropic cautioned that full recursive self-improvement might increase the risks of humans losing control over AI systems. "The window to investigate the questions together is here," Anthropic said, urging policymakers, researchers, and civil society groups to take part in discussions over AI governance.

The AI firm noted that the program launched in early April with roughly 50 partners who have since detected more than 10,000 high- or critical-severity flaws in their codebases using Claude Mythos Preview. The specialized model scans software systems to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, with partners drawn from sectors including power, water and health care.

Critical infrastructure protection

The new participants include organizations providing critical infrastructure across sectors such as power, water, health care and communications, many of which maintain codebases relied upon by governments and other institutions. Anthropic said that for most partners, a successful cyberattack on their codebase could affect more than 100 million people, carrying implications for national and global security.

The expansion follows extensive collaboration with existing Project Glasswing partners, the broader security industry, open-source software maintainers and the US government, according to the company. Anthropic told Anadolu Agency that many of the new participants are vendors, companies or nonprofits that maintain codebases relied upon by other organizations, including government agencies.

Emerging AI threats and tools

Anthropic warned that "cheap, fast AI models with powerful cyber capabilities are around the corner," noting that similar systems could become widely available within six to 12 months, including to malicious actors. The company said it has launched Claude Security — a product that uses publicly available models to scan codebases and suggest patches — to help organizations adapt to these emerging threats.

Anthropic stated that it plans to continue expanding Project Glasswing geographically while scaling up related cybersecurity initiatives. "If we're successful, we hope to enable a permanent advantage for defenders," the company said, adding that future efforts will focus on improving vulnerability detection, disclosure and patching processes across the industry.

Investigation launched

Hanwha officials said workers were cleaning propellant powder residue from tools used in producing propulsion systems when the incident occurred. Police, labor ministry representatives and safety agency personnel are investigating the cause of the explosion, including whether flammable materials were present at the site, while Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon pledged a thorough probe. Police added that the damaged building was not at risk of collapse.

History of deadly accidents

The facility, which develops large propulsion engines and tactical surface-to-surface weapon systems, has been the site of several fatal explosions in recent years. In 2018, an explosion at the factory killed five people, with another blast in 2019 claiming three lives.

Breach detected over weekend

The breach was discovered Sunday after several unusual posts surfaced on the account, which operates under the handle @obamawhitehouse. A representative for Meta, which owns Instagram, confirmed the incident to TMZ and stated that the account has since been secured, with all unauthorized content removed.

Provocative AI-generated content

The most prominent unauthorized post was an AI-generated image accompanied by a caption that translated as "The White House is under Shiites' control," according to TMZ. The hacker also posted new Instagram stories on the account, which had remained dormant since its last legitimate publication on Jan. 20, 2017 — the day President Donald Trump was inaugurated.

Separate personal account

No details have been released regarding the identity of the hackers responsible for the breach. Obama maintains a separate personal Instagram account under the handle @barackobama, which has accumulated 42.2 million followers and was not affected by the incident.

Census records steepest population drop

The ministry said the population stood at 123,049,524 as of Oct. 1, 2025, down by more than 3 million people — or 2.5% — from the previous census conducted in 2020. The latest figures represent the third consecutive decline recorded by the national census, which has been conducted every five years since 1920.

Regional divides deepen

Only Tokyo and Okinawa reported population increases among Japan's 47 provinces, although growth slowed in both regions, the data showed. The remaining 45 provinces saw declines, with Hokkaido posting the largest decrease, according to NHK.

Household growth masks demographic shift

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.1 million while the average number of people per household fell from 2.26 to 2.15. Officials said the trend reflects a growing number of elderly people living alone, and the ministry is expected to release final census figures by September.

Iran has lifted restrictions on global internet connectivity following a directive from President Masoud Pezeshkian, restoring access to international websites and broadband services that had been severely limited since nationwide protests erupted in January and were subsequently tightened during two months of war with the US and Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Tuesday. Tasnim reported that fixed broadband services including FTTH, VDSL and ADSL as well as mobile internet are now available without restrictions, returning connectivity to conditions that existed prior to January 2026.

Protests and Conflict

Authorities first imposed a near-total internet blackout on January 8 and 9 to suppress demonstrations that had escalated in late December following a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial against the US dollar, and later tightened restrictions after the US and Israel launched military attacks on February 28. While domestic banking systems and local platforms remained operational throughout the unrest and subsequent conflict, global access remained largely dependent on Virtual Private Networks, severely affecting businesses and online commerce.

Continued Platform Bans

Despite the restoration of general internet access, major global platforms including YouTube and X remain blocked within the country, with many users continuing to rely on VPN services to reach them. Iranian officials said 3,117 people were killed in the January protests, while human rights organizations estimated the death toll at up to 7,000, as authorities accused Washington and Tel Aviv of exploiting the unrest to justify foreign interference.

AI-related products and infrastructure now account for roughly 15 percent of global goods trade. Asia controls a large share of the value chain, from semiconductors and storage technologies to data centers.

Control of infrastructure

"The global race for artificial intelligence has long since become a race for infrastructure, data, and economic influence," explains Michael Kolb, a member of the Acredia Executive Board. "Whoever controls the chips, data centers, and platforms will also control significant portions of global value creation in the future."

Europe falling behind

Europe's operational data center capacity is roughly four times lower than that of the US. Europe's dependence on US technology providers is growing, with US hyperscalers dominating large portions of Europe's cloud and data infrastructure. The authors warn that billions of euros could flow annually from Europe to US providers with increasing AI service use.

Digital tenant warning

"Europe runs the risk of going from being an industrial hub to a digital tenant," the study warns. "This dependence affects not only technology, but increasingly also competitiveness, innovation, and economic sovereignty." The study notes: "AI supply chains are increasingly becoming the geopolitical nerve center of the global economy."

Next attempt

"If that can be fixed tonight, there will be another launch attempt tomorrow at 5:30 CT," he said. The test flight is the first of SpaceX's "version 3" Starship, a redesigned rocket featuring more powerful Raptor engines and a new launch pad system intended to enable faster turnaround times.

Starship significance

SpaceX has described the Starship as the most powerful launch system ever developed and is counting on the vehicle for future NASA Artemis missions to the moon as well as satellite deployments. The rocket is also central to the company's plans for Mars missions and space-based data centers.

Sixteen families filed a collective criminal complaint with the Paris prosecutor's office on Monday accusing TikTok of exploiting minors' vulnerability through addictive algorithms, with their lawyer alleging the platform creates "mental prisons" for adolescents and operates like "digital crack," according to French media. The families, represented by lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion, target TikTok executives in France and internationally for alleged "abuse of weakness" — a criminal offense in France involving exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Boutron-Marmion told Franceinfo the company has designed a "machine" specifically to exploit adolescent vulnerability. "We have a machine designed, developed to exploit this vulnerability. TikTok creates mental prisons for adolescents, prisons of distress," she said, adding that the effects resemble "digital crack." The complaint argues the platform's recommendation system generates strong addiction among minors through highly personalized content and continuous scrolling features.

Allegations of harm and suicide

Some families involved in the legal action have lost children to suicide, while others report cases of anorexia, depression and suicidal thoughts linked to platform usage. The lawyer contends TikTok executives are fully aware of how their algorithm operates and its damaging effects on young users but have failed to take meaningful action.

"It is a system of highly personalized recommendations and continuous scrolling that generates strong addiction and exploits adolescent vulnerability," Boutron-Marmion stated. "They know very well" the effects of the platform but "do nothing," she added, emphasizing that the families seek to bring the company before a French criminal court rather than settle for civil proceedings alone.

Calls for tighter regulation

The complaint also demands tighter regulation of social media platforms, including a potential ban on access for users under 15 — an idea currently under discussion within French political circles. Boutron-Marmion said the families refuse to limit their action to a simple complaint, signaling their determination to pursue criminal accountability.

Platform safety measures

TikTok has previously stated it has implemented more than 50 safety features and tools specifically designed for teenagers. The company continues to invest in age-appropriate and safe experiences for users, according to prior statements cited by French media.

Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman and chief technology officer of Türkiye's Baykar, called on Saturday for the establishment of a "Technological Solidarity Alliance" among allied nations, warning that global technology monopolies increasingly threaten national sovereignty and human freedom. Speaking at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, Bayraktar said modern threats no longer stem solely from conventional military forces but increasingly from technological systems embedded in supply chains, data centers and consumer devices.

"Today we see that the greatest threat to our independence is not conventional armies amassed at our borders, but techno-capitalist global domination infiltrating our supply chains, data centers and even the devices in our pockets," Bayraktar said. He noted that algorithms used by social media platforms are increasingly designed to maximize engagement by exploiting emotional reactions rather than promoting truth, with artificial intelligence systems optimizing content around fear and anger to keep users connected to digital platforms for longer periods.

Mechanization of humanity

Bayraktar warned that the distinction between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred, risking a "dark age" in which humans themselves are rapidly becoming mechanized. "We are under the domination of a soulless rationalism and a materialism that recognizes no one's right to life and freedom other than its own. We are faced with an invasion of machines and machine-like humans," he said, arguing that technologies developed without compassion risk becoming instruments of destruction.

Criticizing the growing influence of global technology corporations, Bayraktar noted that giant technology monopolies seek to govern the world almost like "techno-feudalist fiefdoms." He emphasized the importance of open-source software and transparent digital infrastructure, advocating for federated learning systems that allow artificial intelligence algorithms to improve without transferring sensitive data abroad and warning that countries should develop independent ecosystems capable of protecting data privacy.

Alliance proposal

Calling for closer cooperation among "friendly, brotherly and oppressed nations," Bayraktar said countries should share advanced technologies and pool resources to reduce dependence on global monopolies. "We must establish an unshakable Technological Solidarity Alliance by sharing the high technologies we develop with friendly, brotherly and oppressed peoples," he said. "If we unite our strength, we can tear apart the spider web created by these monopolies."

Bayraktar said such cooperation should evolve beyond formal partnerships into a broader transformation in mentality and vision. He highlighted Türkiye's "National Technology Initiative" and the role of the TEKNOFEST generation in advancing the country's capabilities, noting that engineers trained through the festival are contributing to next-generation artificial intelligence systems and autonomous drone swarms. The SAHA 2026 exhibition was organized by SAHA Istanbul at the Istanbul Expo Center, with Anadolu serving as global communications partner.

Evaluation process

The agreements will also let the government evaluate models before public release and conduct post-deployment assessments. The center said it has already completed more than 40 evaluations, including reviews of unreleased frontier AI systems. Developers frequently provide the center with models whose safeguards have been reduced or removed to allow more comprehensive evaluation of national security-related capabilities and risks.

Director's statement

"Independent, rigorous measurement science is essential to understanding frontier AI and its national security implications," Director Chris Fall said. "These expanded industry collaborations help us scale our work in the public interest at a critical moment," Fall added.

Government collaboration

The center has been designated as the primary US government point of contact for industry on testing, collaborative research and best-practice development related to commercial AI systems. The agreements come amid growing concerns about the national security risks posed by advanced AI models, including their potential use for hacking and other malicious activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), emphasized SMEs’ role as the engines of growth across the world, including in D-8 countries; highlighted SMEs’ vital contribution to job creation and innovation; and underlined their indispensable part in the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also stressed the critical importance of SMEs in achieving the intra-D-8 trade target of USD 500 billion by 2030, building on the recorded USD 157 billion in 2024.

In his comprehensive statement, the Secretary-General also highlighted priority areas requiring focused follow-up, including strengthening collaboration with international partners such as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for capacity-building support, advancing the integration of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into SME ecosystems, and promoting knowledge-sharing among Member States. He also lauded Malaysia’s initiative to collaborate on the International Day of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with a thematic focus on Green MSMEs and medical tourism.

As for the D-8’s frameworks to promote SME cooperation, the Secretary General underscored the importance of ensuring universal adherence to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expediting accession processes by remaining Member States, and operationalizing the D-8 SME Centre as a central coordinating platform for capacity-building, business linkages, and SME internationalization.

Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood encouraged Member States to deepen mutual cooperation and align national SME strategies with collective D-8 priorities. He commended Azerbaijan for proposing an elaborate Action Plan for the operationalization of the MoU between D-8 SME Governmental Bodies, and complimented Nigeria for tabling a structured draft Action Plan for the D-8 SME Centre in Abuja — both recognized as key instruments for institutionalizing cooperation and delivering measurable outcomes. The Secretary General encouraged Member States to convene dedicated technical session(s), preferably within one month, to refine and consolidate the two Action Plans, with a view to finalizing the texts ahead of the next (10th) D-8 SME Governmental Bodies Meeting, where their formal adoption is envisaged.

The meeting featured insightful national interventions covering MSME formalization, access to finance, market facilitation, and capacity-building programmes, with a shared emphasis on innovation and resilience. It concluded with a clear consensus on structured follow-up, sustained coordination through designated focal points and the Secretariat, and collective ownership of the agreed Action Plans, underscoring that their timely implementation will be instrumental in strengthening SME ecosystems, enhancing intra-D-8 trade, and advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the D-8 geography.

Thursday's launch from the legendary Kazakh steppe facility marked the culmination of joint development efforts between Moscow and Astana. The Russian space agency Roscosmos confirmed that the medium-class carrier rocket blasted off from the historic Baikonur launch facility at 1800 GMT, corresponding to 9:00 PM in the Russian capital. Officials at the state corporation described the event as particularly significant, noting that the mission represents the debut flight of this advanced Russian launch system, distinguished by utilizing the globe's most potent liquid-fueled rocket engine.

Technical capabilities and mission execution

The initial phase of the mission concluded successfully within nine and a half minutes as the vehicle positioned its test payload along the prescribed suborbital path. Flight validation procedures confirmed nominal performance across both propulsion stages, with officials verifying the successful deployment of the simulation payload onto its intended flight corridor. Engineering specifications from the Progress Rocket Space Centre indicate the Sunkar-class vehicle can transport approximately seventeen metric tons of cargo into low-Earth orbit, substantially exceeding previous generation capabilities.

Economic and environmental advantages

Aerospace analysts anticipate that utilizing this launch architecture will substantially decrease per-kilogram expenses for orbital deliveries, thereby enhancing the commercial viability of future satellite deployment missions. Beyond cost considerations, authorities in Astana characterized the achievement as inaugurating a transformative period for Kazakhstan's aerospace sector specifically emphasizing sustainable launch technologies. The collaboration utilizes non-toxic propellants including refined kerosene and cryogenic liquid oxygen rather than conventional hazardous fuels, establishing new environmental standards for regional space activities.

Bilateral cooperation and future outlook

The Baiterek initiative represents a cornerstone of technological partnership between the two former Soviet republics, leveraging Kazakhstan's strategic geographic position and Russia's advanced rocketry expertise. This successful test flight establishes operational parameters for future missions aimed at both government and commercial clients seeking reliable access to near-Earth orbits. As Central Asia emerges as an increasingly significant player in global space economics, Thursday's accomplishment signals both nations' commitment to maintaining competitive presence in the international launch services market while prioritizing ecological responsibility.

Technical capabilities

The portable reactor, described by developers as a "nuclear power bank," generates sufficient electricity to sustain medium-scale artificial intelligence data centers. Development work has proceeded for multiple years, resulting in a system characterized by substantial safety measures and miniaturized dimensions. Officials indicate the technology could operate continuously for several decades without requiring refueling, addressing what researchers term "battery anxiety" across multiple sectors. Potential deployment environments include isolated island communities, emergency response situations, ocean-going vessels, and orbital space systems.

Atomic energy ambitions

This technological milestone emerges amid Beijing's broader expansion of nuclear infrastructure capabilities. Chinese authorities recently announced capacity to construct approximately 50 nuclear reactors concurrently. The China Nuclear Energy Association highlighted that national atomic technology has transitioned from imitation to parity with Western standards, achieving leadership positions in specific domains. Wu emphasized that forthcoming nuclear innovations must prioritize fundamental safety protocols at the design stage, ensuring secure operation across diverse applications.

Ethical concerns over military AI

The letter, written by staff working on AI projects, expresses alarm over ongoing discussions between Google and the Pentagon. “We feel that our proximity to this technology creates a responsibility to highlight and prevent its most unethical and dangerous uses,” the employees wrote. They specifically asked management not to make Google’s AI systems available for “classified workloads,” arguing that the technology is not suited for such environments and is prone to mistakes.

Risks of misuse and reputational damage

The employees warned that AI could be deployed in lethal autonomous weapons or large-scale surveillance programs. “We want to see AI benefit humanity,” they said, adding that a poor decision at this stage could seriously damage Google’s reputation, business, and global standing. Their concerns echo a similar agreement made by OpenAI earlier this year with the Pentagon, which excluded the use of its technology for autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance.

On April 26, 1986, a routine safety test at the fourth reactor unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant triggered an uncontrolled power surge that would change the course of nuclear history. Situated near the abandoned city of Pripyat, approximately 110 kilometers north of Kyiv, the facility's explosion released massive quantities of radioactive material into the atmosphere, exposing the reactor core to the open air. The Soviet authorities established a 30-kilometer exclusion zone around the site, yet the contamination spread far beyond Ukraine's borders, affecting approximately 155,000 square kilometers across Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. According to United Nations figures, 31 individuals perished in the immediate aftermath, while nearly 8.4 million residents across former Soviet territories suffered radiation exposure. The disaster's footprint extended globally, with radioactive clouds detected as far away as North America and Japan.

Decades-long decommissioning process

Following the tragedy, authorities initiated a complex decommissioning operation projected to span nearly eight decades. The Ukrainian government approved the initial comprehensive decommissioning program in November 2000, following the shutdown of the facility's final operational reactor on December 15 of that year. Officials subsequently updated the strategy in 2009 to implement a four-stage approach aimed at establishing an environmentally secure system. The process began with preparatory work between 2000 and 2013, focusing on relocating nuclear fuel to specialized long-term storage facilities. The ongoing second phase, which commenced in 2015 and targets completion by 2028, involves final shutdown procedures and preservation of reactor installations. Engineers constructed the New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure in 2016 at a cost of $1.8 billion to replace the original concrete sarcophagus, transferring control to Ukrainian authorities three years later. Subsequent phases will maintain reactor enclosures until natural radioactive decay permits safe dismantling around 2045, with complete site clearance anticipated by 2065.

Modern security threats amid regional conflict

The nuclear facility has faced unprecedented security challenges since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces attempted to seize the plant during initial offensive operations, with presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak confirming temporary loss of Ukrainian control following intense combat in the exclusion zone. Although Moscow denied allegations of radiation level increases during the occupation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued urgent appeals for restraint to prevent nuclear accidents. Russian forces withdrew from the site by April 2022, yet the facility remained vulnerable to aerial attacks. On February 14, 2025, a drone strike impacted the NSC's protective shell, igniting fires that burned for weeks and compromising the structure's integrity despite causing no immediate radioactive leakage.

Current assessments and restoration challenges

International nuclear safety monitors have documented severe damage to the Chernobyl containment infrastructure following recent hostilities. The IAEA confirmed in December that the New Safe Confinement lost its primary safety functions and confinement capabilities, though load-bearing structures remained intact. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimates that repairing the drone-inflicted damage will require minimum expenditures of €500 million, with bank president Odile Renaud-Basso emphasizing the urgency of restoration work. As Ukraine marks the 40th anniversary of the catastrophe, the site serves as a continuing reminder that nuclear safety requires constant vigilance against both technical failures and geopolitical instability.

Meanwhile, Antarctic measurements recorded a summer minimum of 2.58 million square kilometers on February 26. While this reading exceeds the catastrophic record low of 1.79 million square kilometers set in 2023, it remains 260,000 square kilometers below the 1981-2010 historical average.

Turkish scientist highlights four-fold warming rate

Mahmut Oguz Selbesoglu, director of Istanbul Technical University's Polar Research Center, emphasized that the Arctic region is experiencing temperature increases at quadruple the global average rate. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, is systematically dismantling the planet's radiation balance that sustains habitable conditions.

Selbesoglu identified marginal ice zones in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and North Atlantic periphery as primary melting hotspots. The researcher noted that nearly all record-low maximum values have occurred within the past decade, indicating structural weakening of the polar system rather than natural cyclical variation.

Feedback loops threaten global climate stability

The disappearing ice creates a self-reinforcing cycle of destruction across the Northern Hemisphere. As white reflective surfaces diminish, darker ocean waters absorb increasing solar radiation rather than reflecting it back into space. This heat absorption accelerates under-ice melting, producing thinner, more vulnerable ice formations that disappear faster during warmer months.

The consequences extend far beyond polar regions through intensified evaporation rates and enhanced greenhouse gas effects. These atmospheric changes generate severe meteorological responses including extreme weather events, disrupting agricultural patterns and coastal communities worldwide.

Emission cuts and renewable transition critical

Addressing the crisis requires immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and accelerated phasing out of fossil fuel dependency, according to the Turkish researcher. Specific measures targeting black carbon reduction and Arctic-focused environmental policies must complement broader renewable energy adoption strategies.

Selbesoglu stressed that changes occurring in the Arctic serve as an early warning system for the entire planet's climate future. The transformation at the poles carries global significance, demanding coordinated international response to prevent irreversible ecosystem damage and maintain Earth's delicate thermal equilibrium.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has formally acknowledged its cooperation with federal investigators examining the troubling series of incidents involving American scientific personnel. Agency representative Bethany Stevens issued a statement via social media platform X, confirming active coordination with pertinent government bodies while stressing that current evidence does not suggest any compromise to national security interests.

Stevens emphasized the organization's dedication to openness, pledging to release additional details as the inquiry progresses and circumstances permit. This marks the first public confirmation from the space agency regarding its role in the unfolding investigation.

White House directs comprehensive review

Presidential administration officials initiated the broader federal response on April 17, when spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announced the FBI's central role in examining potential links between the disparate cases. The Executive Branch has mandated a unified approach across multiple agencies to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding researchers who have vanished or suffered fatalities over the past two years.

Leavitt characterized the investigation as exhaustive, stating that investigators would examine every available avenue to determine whether common factors connect these incidents. The directive signals high-level concern regarding the welfare of personnel involved in sensitive technological and defense-related research sectors.

Pattern of scientific personnel losses

Since 2023, the American scientific community has witnessed at least eleven researchers connected to nuclear and aerospace programs either perish under questionable conditions or disappear entirely. These specialists, whose work touches upon critical national infrastructure and advanced propulsion systems, represent a concerning concentration of talent affected by unexplained circumstances.

The temporal clustering of these events has prompted scrutiny from both law enforcement and intelligence communities, given the strategic importance of the victims' respective fields. Several incidents reportedly occurred under circumstances authorities have described as ambiguous or warranting further examination.

Federal coordination and transparency

The interagency response involves multiple federal entities working to establish whether the cases share operational similarities or indicate broader security concerns. While NASA has sought to reassure the public regarding immediate threats, the decision to involve the nation's premier investigative bureau underscores the seriousness with which officials view the pattern.

Scientific organizations and research institutions across the United States are monitoring developments closely, as the outcomes may influence security protocols for personnel engaged in high-sensitivity projects. The investigation continues to gather information from multiple jurisdictions where individual incidents occurred.

Security forces in northwestern Iran have taken four individuals into custody, including two foreign nationals, as part of an investigation into the illegal importation of satellite internet hardware. The public prosecutor for Jolfa County announced that the suspects allegedly brought Starlink terminals and related communication devices across the border, activities that violate Iranian telecommunications regulations. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that authorities are treating the case as part of broader efforts to prevent unauthorized communications infrastructure from entering the Islamic Republic.

Espionage Allegations and Foreign Links

Officials have levelled serious accusations against the detained individuals, claiming they engaged in intelligence cooperation with networks connected to the United States and Israel. Prosecutors assert that the importation of satellite internet equipment served purposes beyond mere commercial smuggling, suggesting instead a coordination with hostile foreign entities. Tehran considers such technology a threat to national security, particularly devices capable of bypassing state-controlled internet infrastructure. The suspects now face charges that could carry severe penalties under Iranian law governing relations with foreign intelligence services.

Digital Blackout Amidst Regional Conflict

The detentions coincide with a sustained government-imposed internet blackout affecting large segments of the Iranian population for several weeks. This digital crackdown forms part of the authorities' response to the ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance, a conflict that has resulted in more than 3,300 fatalities since late February. Hundreds of Iranian citizens have faced arrest in recent weeks under accusations of collaborating with enemy states, as Tehran intensifies domestic security measures while managing external military pressures. The situation underscores the intersection of information control and national security policy during periods of heightened regional tension.

Border Security and Neighboring Concerns

Located in Iran's East Azerbaijan province near the border with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Jolfa serves as a critical checkpoint for cross-border trade and security. The region's strategic position makes it a focal point for authorities monitoring the flow of goods and communications equipment. The case highlights ongoing challenges facing regional stability, with implications for neighboring countries including Turkey, which maintains significant interests in securing its eastern frontiers and preserving calm along shared borders. As Tehran continues to restrict uncensored internet access, the enforcement actions reflect broader efforts to maintain information sovereignty during a period of unprecedented external military pressure.

Earnings beat

Net income increased to $5.28 billion from $2.89 billion over the same period, while diluted earnings per share rose to $1.23 from $0.66, exceeding the company's forecast of $0.76. Netflix said results were driven by stronger-than-expected operating income and the $2.8 billion termination fee, which was recorded under interest and other income.

Revenue drivers

The company said revenue growth was supported by membership gains, higher subscription prices, and increased advertising revenue. Operating income rose 18% year-on-year to $3.96 billion, while operating margin improved to 32.3% from 31.7%.

Outlook

Netflix expects second-quarter revenue of $12.57 billion, marking a projected 13.5% annual increase. It maintained its full-year 2026 revenue forecast in the range of $50.7 billion to $51.7 billion and kept its operating margin target at 31.5%.

Board change

In the same letter, the company said co-founder Reed Hastings will not seek re-election to the board when his term expires at the annual meeting in June, as he plans to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits.

The United Kingdom's head of government has issued an urgent directive to major technology corporations, insisting they strengthen safeguards for young internet users. In a public message posted on X, the Labour Party leader acknowledged widespread parental anxiety regarding digital platforms' influence on minors. He specifically named five major companies—X, Meta, Snap, YouTube and TikTok—insisting their executives take decisive responsibility for protecting vulnerable users.

Emergency Summit with Industry Leaders

Downing Street confirmed the premier would host technology executives for critical discussions aimed at accelerating protective measures for minors. The Prime Minister's Office characterized the matter as among the most pressing challenges facing contemporary youth. Officials indicated Starmer would communicate unequivocally that corporate negligence regarding juvenile welfare would face severe consequences, emphasizing that passive observation of online harms is no longer tenable.

Government Pledges Decisive Action

The Prime Minister pledged comprehensive governmental intervention to ensure juvenile safety across virtual environments. Government representatives emphasized that regulatory intervention is inevitable, with deliberations now focusing on implementation methods rather than necessity. Starmer has positioned the initiative as a fundamental priority, rejecting any possibility of legislative inaction regarding digital threats to children.

Addressing Family Concerns

The agenda includes articulating national standards for juvenile digital protection while demanding detailed accountability from corporations. The administration seeks specific explanations regarding current safety protocols and responsiveness to public apprehension. This direct engagement reflects mounting pressure from families seeking greater transparency and concrete commitments from social media enterprises regarding age-appropriate content moderation and user verification systems.

Record‑Breaking Journey

The crew travelled farther from Earth than any humans in history, reaching a maximum distance of 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometres) – surpassing the record set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. During the lunar flyby, they observed the far side of the moon and witnessed a solar eclipse visible only from space. The spacecraft made its closest approach to the moon at about 4,067 miles above the surface before beginning its return trajectory.

Next Stop: Mars

President Donald Trump praised the mission on Truth Social, writing: “Congratulations to the great and very talented crew of Artemis II. The entire trip was spectacular, the landing was perfect and, as President of the United States, I could not be more proud!” He added that he looks forward to welcoming the crew to the White House soon and declared that the next step will be Mars. The successful mission paves the way for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

Excavation details

The excavation, led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in collaboration with local experts, identified both Neolithic and Bronze Age facilities used to extract salt from seawater. "In this process, salt production sites from the Bronze Age and Neolithic Age (5,000 to 5,500 years ago), including a saltwater storage facility and a salt roasting facility, were discovered in the Won-eup Workers' District of Oncheon County, Nampo City, which are the first of their kind in our country," according to KCNA.

Layers of history

In the deeper strata, fragments of intricately carved Neolithic pottery were found alongside clay mixed with ash, once used to hold brine. Above them, Bronze Age remains include hardened mud-lined storage areas and distinctive spinning-top vessels. Scientific analysis revealed significantly higher salt content in these soils compared to surrounding areas, confirming the site's purpose. Pottery dating revealed that the upper layer dates from the Bronze Age, approximately 5,000 years ago, while the lower layer dates from the Neolithic period, about 5,500 years ago.

Historical significance

Experts have since recognized the site as a valuable historical treasure, highlighting the Taedong River basin as an early center of human civilization. The discovery provides new insights into ancient food preservation and trade practices on the Korean Peninsula.

Apollo 13’s long-standing record falls

The previous record had been held for more than five decades by the Apollo 13 mission, which launched in April 1970. That mission, famously marked by an onboard explosion that forced the crew to circle the Moon rather than land, had held the title for the farthest humans had ever traveled from Earth. Artemis II’s successful voyage now replaces that chapter in spaceflight history.

Türkiye’s growing interest in space exploration

While Türkiye’s primary focus remains on regional stability and economic development, Ankara has also invested in its own space program in recent years. The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) was established in 2018, and Türkiye successfully sent its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, to the International Space Station in 2024. The Artemis II record serves as an inspiration for emerging space nations, including Türkiye, which aims to expand its capabilities in satellite technology and lunar exploration. As global powers push the boundaries of human spaceflight, Türkiye continues to develop its strategic presence in space while maintaining its commitment to peaceful scientific cooperation.

Erdoğan: Digital sovereignty at stake

Speaking at the “Türkiye’s Strong Presence in 5G Communications” event, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that 5G technology would open a new chapter across multiple sectors, including transportation, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and the broader economy. He noted that in an era of intensifying global competition, technological advancement has fundamentally reshaped traditional notions of sovereignty. “In today’s world, sovereignty is no longer geographically based, physical, or limited solely to a specific piece of land,” he said, adding that cybersecurity and data management are now decisive factors in geopolitical influence.

5G as strategic infrastructure

Erdoğan stressed that the collection, processing, and secure management of data are critical to national strength. “In the digital age, the decisive actor in geopolitical supremacy will not be merely those who control the land, but also those who manage data,” he said. He described 5G, when combined with data centers, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity capabilities, as a matter of “digital sovereignty and national security.”

Transformative potential across sectors

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said 5G is far more than faster internet—it is the foundation of a smarter, safer, and more efficient future. With speeds up to ten times faster than 4.5G, ultra-low latency, and massive device connectivity, the technology will position Türkiye at the center of digital transformation. “In transportation, road safety will improve with fully autonomous driving and smart transportation systems,” he said. He also highlighted applications in smart factories, real-time data analysis for industry, smart city innovations, and augmented reality-supported education.

A leap in domestic space technology

The satellite is distinguished by its communications and navigation payloads, which are now operational in orbit. Unlike its predecessors, FGN-100-D3 carries critical subsystems developed entirely in‑house, including a reaction wheel, magnetic torque rod, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit, and GNSS receiver. An AI‑supported onboard computer further enhances its capabilities. The in‑orbit validation of these domestically produced systems represents a significant step toward Türkiye’s full independence in space technologies.

Building a national GPS constellation

Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman and CTO of Baykar (Fergani’s parent company), celebrated the launch on social media, stating: “FGN-100-D3 -- Fergani's fifth test satellite, distinguished by its communications and navigation capabilities -- has successfully taken its place in space!” Fergani has rapidly expanded its orbital presence since early 2025, having launched its first satellite in January 2025, a second in November 2025, and the world’s first hybrid‑propulsion orbital transfer vehicle later that month. The company now aims to build the Ulugh Beg Global Positioning System, a constellation of more than 100 satellites, within five years using its own resources, while also developing a national launch vehicle.

A fully domestic nanosatellite

Despite its compact size as a nanosatellite, LUNA-2 is engineered to deliver secure and uninterrupted transmission of sensor data even in the most remote locations. The satellite utilizes a dedicated LoRa communication system, which enables wide-area coverage with minimal energy consumption. This capability makes LUNA-2 particularly valuable for IoT applications across agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and environmental monitoring, where reliable connectivity is often lacking.

In‑house engineering from software to hardware

Aselsan emphasized that all design, development, production, integration, and testing processes for LUNA-2 were carried out entirely in‑house. Turkish engineers also developed the flight software, ground control software, the LoRa transceiver card serving as the payload, and the data transfer unit using domestic resources. This end‑to‑end national capability underscores Türkiye’s growing self‑sufficiency in advanced space technologies and reduces reliance on foreign systems.

Strengthening Türkiye’s space ambitions

The successful launch of LUNA-2 is expected to further enhance Aselsan’s capabilities in the space-based IoT field and contribute directly to Türkiye’s strategic goal of building an independent, competitive, and sustainable space technology ecosystem. With two operational satellites now in orbit, Aselsan has positioned itself as a key player in the nation’s space endeavors. As Türkiye continues to invest in domestic satellite programs, the LUNA series represents a concrete step toward securing national technological sovereignty in the rapidly evolving domain of space-based connectivity.

'AI is changing everything, and it is very fast'

Karagoz opened the discussion by noting that the pace of AI-driven change is unlike anything seen before. "AI is changing everything. It is clear, and it is very fast," he said. "It changes how we create, how we share, and how we understand information." Citing World Economic Forum projections, he estimated that artificial intelligence could add up to $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. While acknowledging job displacement, he warned that AI would fundamentally alter trust in institutions, media outlets, and news agencies, raising critical questions: "Can we trust it? Who controls AI? And what about data security?"

Three global models for AI governance

Fatih Donmez, who chairs Türkiye's parliamentary committee on artificial intelligence, outlined three distinct international approaches to AI regulation. The US model prioritizes innovation with regulation following later, he explained. The European Union takes a precautionary route, setting rules in advance despite criticism. China, he said, maintains strong state oversight over algorithms and data processing. Donmez revealed that Türkiye is working to develop its own hybrid model. "We believe we can develop a Türkiye-specific approach by taking elements that suit us from these models," he said. "We think regulation is necessary, but it should not suffocate innovation. We say regulation together with innovation."

AI as 'new generation of sovereignty'

Umit Onal, Türkiye's cybersecurity chief, argued that advances in artificial intelligence have elevated data sovereignty to a central component of national power. "Today, power is increasingly determined by who collects data, who processes it, and who interprets it," Onal said. "This is exactly where artificial intelligence comes into play." He described AI as a "new generation of sovereignty" and said Türkiye aims to become a leading actor through its Digital Türkiye vision. "AI can strengthen states," he warned, "but we must also remember that if it is used incorrectly, it can weaken societies."

Journalists urge caution on delegating values to AI

Daniel Deme, editor of Hungary Today, acknowledged AI's utility for translation and fact-finding but warned that algorithms are controlled by profit-driven companies with shareholders and investors. "The algorithm itself, how it combines the media is also being calibrated to suit the needs of certain interests," he said. When asked whether AI could handle value-based editorial decisions, Deme responded firmly: "Clearly, you cannot delegate certain value judgments onto AI. It corresponds to basic human dignity to go out and find the truth for yourself." He advised keeping AI "like a guide dog" without letting technology replace human judgment in finding truth and serving communities.

Issue breakdown

Some 50% of complaints were related to the feed and timeline, 41% to the application, and 6% to the website. Downdetector compiles data from user-submitted reports, meaning the actual number of affected users could be higher.

Service restoration

The platform appeared to be gradually restoring service for many users as the morning progressed. X has not yet issued an official statement on the cause of the outage.

Context

The outage comes as X, formerly known as Twitter, continues to operate under owner Elon Musk. The platform has experienced periodic technical issues since Musk's acquisition, though the company has worked to improve infrastructure stability.

Historic verdict

"The jury's verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta's choice to put profits over kids' safety," Raul Torrez, New Mexico's attorney general, said on Tuesday. "Meta executives knew their products harmed children, disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Today, the jury joined families, educators, and child safety experts in saying enough is enough," he added.

Maximum penalty

The jury ordered Meta to pay the maximum legal penalty of $5,000 per violation, totaling $375 million in civil fines for breaching New Mexico's consumer protection laws. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, said it plans to appeal, adding that it will "continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online."

Next phase

Torrez said that in the next phase, starting on May 4, his office will pursue further financial penalties and court-ordered changes to Meta's platforms to "offer stronger protections for children." The case coincides with a growing international push to protect vulnerable minors from the harms of social media, with experts saying the apps and websites are addictive and can reduce attention spans and lead to lower self-esteem.

German automaker Volkswagen is planning to convert one of its domestic factories from automobile production to manufacturing missiles for Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, according to a report by the Financial Times. The move would repurpose the company's Osnabrück plant amid broader regional conflict.

From cars to defense systems

Under the proposed agreement with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Volkswagen would transform its Osnabrück facility—currently facing closure risk—into a missile production site. The plan aims to retain all 2,300 workers at the plant while positioning the partners to market the defense systems to European governments. Production could begin within 12 to 18 months if the deal moves forward.

German government backing

The German government is reportedly providing active support for the agreement, consistent with Berlin's longstanding policy of unwavering support for Israel. Critics note the partnership continues even as Israel's military operations in Gaza and its ongoing conflict with Iran draw international scrutiny.

Regional context

The proposed missile production comes amid escalating Middle East hostilities following the US-Israeli offensive against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US forces, heightening demand for air defense systems like the Iron Dome.

Key components developed

According to the center's director Ye Cong, key components including the submersible's panoramic viewport—one of the hardest parts to design on a deep-sea submersible—have already been developed. The viewport must withstand immense water pressure while providing a clear, safe viewing experience for passengers.

Deepening tourism capabilities

China currently operates dozens of tourism submersibles for depths of up to about 20 meters, suitable for tours in reservoirs, lakes, and coastal waters. Vehicles designed for greater depths must withstand significantly higher external water pressure, making the 1,000-meter design a substantial technological leap for the country's marine tourism industry.

Scientific expertise

The research center, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp., has also developed the advanced Jiaolong and Deep Sea Warrior deep-sea submersibles for scientific exploration. The new tourist submersible leverages expertise gained from these research vessels to create a commercial product that could open deep-sea tourism to the public.

Lessons from the Battlefield

The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have fundamentally altered defense planning assumptions. In Ukraine, Russian forces have employed Iranian-designed Shahed loitering munitions costing tens of thousands of dollars against Ukrainian air defense systems firing interceptors worth orders of magnitude more—AMRAAM missiles, Patriot batteries, and fighter-launched munitions. This economic asymmetry has proven unsustainable over prolonged campaigns. Ukraine has intercepted roughly 44,000 such munitions with success rates above 80%, yet the cumulative damage to infrastructure demonstrates that kill ratios alone do not determine strategic outcomes.

The concept of "magazine depth"—industrial capacity to produce and sustain offensive systems—has emerged as a critical variable in modern conflict. Low-cost, mass-manufactured platforms can, over time, exhaust numerically limited and extraordinarily expensive high-end defenses. As Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar noted, the K2 costs "roughly one-fiftieth of a comparable guided munition," a statistic that speaks directly to this new defense economics.

Strategic Integration

The K2's significance extends beyond its individual specifications. Battlefield experience demonstrates that loitering munitions are most effective when employed in layered strike packages—saturating air defenses to create corridors for heavier ballistic and cruise missiles. Within Türkiye's expanding defense ecosystem, one can envision future strike packages combining Cenk ballistic missiles, Gezgin cruise missiles, and aeroballistic munitions from Kizilelma or Akinci platforms, preceded by waves of K2 systems configured as both attackers and decoys. Even a 10-20% penetration rate would impose compounding strategic costs on any defender.

The K2's AI integration and swarm capability address the electromagnetic spectrum's growing importance. Platforms capable of autonomous decision-making under electronic warfare pressure carry decisive advantages, while simultaneous mass attacks overwhelm defense prioritization architectures. These capabilities reflect Baykar's accumulated expertise in AI-driven solutions, demonstrated through exports exceeding $2.2 billion in 2025, with approximately 90% of revenues from foreign markets including NATO member states.

Global Implications

The security environment across the Middle East and NATO's eastern flank points toward growing demand for affordable, mass-producible strike systems. Gulf states facing repeated aerial attacks and European nations confronting Russian pressure both have compelling incentives to explore this category. The K2 positions Türkiye's defense industry to meet these requirements while translating battlefield lessons directly into operational capability—answering the threats of today with steadily growing technological sophistication.

The International Energy Agency projects that global demand for hydrogen could triple by 2050, driven by its ability to generate intense heat for shipping and heavy industries like steelmaking without producing planet-warming emissions. Currently, less than one percent of hydrogen is produced through renewable methods, with the vast majority derived from fossil fuels, highlighting the urgent need for alternative sources.

Vast Reserves Trapped Beneath Earth's Surface

Researchers at the United States Geological Survey estimate that approximately 5.6 trillion tons of hydrogen may be trapped within the Earth's crust. According to scientists, this white hydrogen forms when water encounters iron-rich rock in the Earth's mantle at temperatures between 200 and 350 degrees Celsius. "When it meets with water, the iron basically takes the oxygen from the water, leaving behind pure hydrogen," explained Jurgen Grotsch.

While much of this resource lies too deep for commercial extraction, a 2024 study suggested that accessing just two percent of these natural reserves could satisfy global hydrogen demand for roughly 200 years. The lightest element naturally migrates upward through cracks in the crust, often collecting in porous rock formations like sandstone, where it becomes trapped beneath denser geological layers.

First Commercial Site Demonstrates Viability

Dozens of companies worldwide are now actively searching for underground hydrogen reservoirs, though commercial extraction remains in its infancy. The only operational site currently producing white hydrogen is located in the village of Bourakebougou, where a well generates approximately 49 tons annually for local electricity generation.

Türkiye, with its diverse geological landscape, could potentially host similar hydrogen reserves, though exploration efforts remain limited. While the Bourakebougou operation produces far less than a typical fossil gas well, which can yield hundreds to thousands of tons annually, it nonetheless demonstrates that tapping naturally occurring hydrogen could offer a viable and sustainable alternative to energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

Regulatory Milestone

The approval represents a critical breakthrough for China's medical technology sector, which has prioritized brain-computer interfaces as a strategic development area. During clinical trials, patients equipped with Neuracle's BCI device demonstrated measurable improvements in their capacity to grasp and manipulate objects with their hands, validating the technology's therapeutic potential. The company joins a growing cohort of Chinese startups racing to develop neural interface technologies that enable direct mental control of computers and external devices.

Market Impact

News of the regulatory green light sent shares of several Hong Kong-listed companies with BCI exposure surging. Sanbo Hospital Management Group, Innovation Medical Management, and Nanjing Panda Electronics all recorded gains exceeding 10% as investors reacted to the sector's validation by state regulators. The market response reflects growing confidence in China's ability to nurture homegrown competitors to Western neurotechnology pioneers.

Global Competition

Neuracle's approved device positions the company among potential rivals to Elon Musk's Neuralink, which has dominated international headlines with its brain-chip demonstrations. Chinese firms have benefited from increased regulatory backing and investment flows as Beijing seeks to reduce technological dependencies and establish domestic leadership in emerging fields. The approval marks the first concrete regulatory milestone in China's quest to compete at the forefront of neural interface technology, with implications for both medical treatment and broader human-machine interaction applications.

Further analysis quickly ruled out an Earth impact but raised a new concern: a 4.3% chance that the asteroid could instead collide with the moon. Scientists had warned earlier this month that while such an event would not endanger Earth, the resulting debris field could potentially disrupt satellites critical for global communications and positioning systems.

Refined measurements eliminate lunar impact risk

Advanced observations utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope have now definitively established that 2024 YR4 will pass the moon at a distance exceeding 20,000 kilometers, far beyond any collision risk. "It would've been a very interesting science experiment but probably, given the small risk of debris, it wouldn't be one we'd want to try out," remarked Colin Snodgrass, professor of planetary astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, acknowledging that some in the scientific community might feel "a little disappointed" at missing a rare observational opportunity.

Webb telescope enables precise tracking

The successful trajectory refinement came through two short observation windows in February, when an international team leveraged the James Webb Space Telescope's unparalleled sensitivity to detect the faint object. "2024 YR4 is exceedingly faint right now, reflecting about as much light as an almond at the distance of the moon," explained Dr. Andy Rivkin of Johns Hopkins University and Professor Julien de Wit of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who co-led the observations. "Webb is the only observatory that could hope to make these measurements, as it is the only one with the required sensitivity and stability combined with precise moving-target tracking."

Planetary defence efforts continue

The European Space Agency emphasized that its planetary defence work remains ongoing despite the all-clear for 2024 YR4. "The moon is safe, 2024 YR4 poses no danger, but the work continues," the agency noted. "The Planetary Defence team in ESA's Space Safety programme continues to detect and track near-Earth objects to ensure that if a genuine danger ever emerges, we will not be caught unaware." As increasingly powerful telescopes like Webb and the Vera Rubin Observatory come online, scientists anticipate faster detection and trajectory confirmation for near-Earth objects, reducing uncertainty periods and enabling more rapid threat assessment. Türkiye follows such scientific developments closely, recognizing the importance of space situational awareness for global security and technological advancement.

Early expansion

The early technology was initially used for short-distance communication between rooms but quickly expanded across the United States through pole-mounted cables, enabling Bell and his assistant to make the first transcontinental telephone call in 1915. The technology reached the Ottoman Empire by 1908, and in 1926, the Republic of Türkiye established its first automatic telephone exchange in Ankara under the direction of the country's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The invention required several more decades to mature into a common household utility before advances in satellite and wireless technologies gradually reduced dependence on physical cables.

Mobile revolution

The modern era of mobile communication began in 1973 when Motorola executive Martin Cooper demonstrated the world's first portable mobile phone, paving the way for commercial cellular devices a decade later. Technological change accelerated with the arrival of camera phones in 1999, followed by the introduction of touchscreen smartphones in 2007. Over time, mobile phones evolved from basic communication tools into central platforms for social interaction, education, commerce and entertainment as internet speeds and digital services expanded worldwide.

Global reach today

According to the Digital 2026 report by We Are Social and Meltwater, approximately 5.78 billion people globally now use mobile phones, representing roughly 70% of the world's population, with smartphones accounting for nearly 94% of active mobile devices. The rise of smart technology has significantly increased time spent online compared with the early years of mobile phones, when usage was limited by high costs and basic functionality. The report found that people worldwide spend an average of six hours and 43 minutes connected to the internet each day, with mobile devices accounting for four hours and two minutes of that time. Around 60% of global internet traffic now comes through mobile phones.

Türkiye above global averages

In Türkiye, digital usage exceeds global averages. Internet users spend around seven hours and 15 minutes online daily, including four hours and 35 minutes using smartphones and nearly three hours on social media applications. The average global user spends nearly two and a half hours per day scrolling social media platforms on their phones, demonstrating how the device has transcended its original purpose as a voice transmitter to become a gateway to the digital world.

Digital infrastructure as strategic target

"Large-scale data centers serve a similar function to air bases, naval bases, and logistics centers, as these structures today act as a kind of 'digital base,' expanding the US' technological presence and integrating American firms into regional state capacity," Ozdemir explained. She noted that these facilities link financial systems, public infrastructure and, in some cases, defense mechanisms to US-controlled digital infrastructure. "These facilities therefore represent strategic infrastructure, and when civilian systems, state databases and sensitive operational processes depend on them, the infrastructure effectively becomes dual-use — historically, such infrastructure has often been considered legitimate targets in warfare."

Evolution of military AI

Ozdemir traced the integration of AI into warfare from earlier applications—the US military's use of Palantir for intelligence, Google's Project Maven for drone image analysis, and Microsoft and Amazon for defense cloud infrastructure—to today's more sophisticated systems. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman have long integrated machine learning into missile and autonomous vehicle platforms. However, she emphasized that "what makes today's use of AI in warfare different is the introduction of large-scale foundation models developed by firms like OpenAI and xAI—these models not only analyze data but also demonstrate reasoning capabilities across multiple domains, while generating scenario simulations and providing structured decision-making support."

Accelerated warfare and deterrence

Ozdemir explained that operational superiority now depends on executing the OODA loop—observe, orient, decide and act—at unprecedented speeds. "Previously, the US' superiority was based on hardware capacity, but decision-making processes were still conducted at human speeds—advanced AI systems are shifting this balance, and some analysts call this trend 'accelerated warfare.'" This transformation is reshaping deterrence calculations, as "whichever side can simulate likely responses by an adversary gains a strategic advantage." The development is also transforming Silicon Valley's relationship with the Defense Department, as fundamental AI models developed for commercial purposes are increasingly integrated into national security architecture, blurring the boundary between civilian and military technology.

Israel's AI use and algorithmic risks

Ozdemir noted that Israel has historically maintained a military structure closely integrated with high-tech systems and is leveraging this edge through US-based cloud infrastructure to increase operational scale and speed. Leaks have revealed Israel's use of AI systems including Lavender, Where's Daddy and Gospel during the Gaza war to process massive intelligence volumes for target identification. While algorithmic systems provide the advantage of processing data at far greater speeds, Ozdemir warned that "this acceleration in target generation also introduced serious ethical and tactical risks beyond mere technical superiority." Scaling lethal target identification through algorithms shifts decision-making elements from humans to machines. "The military edge Israel derives from AI is not negligible—there is a clear advantage," she said. "However, this acceleration also carries the risk of errors, civilian harm, and accountability challenges."

We stand at the threshold of a new era—not marked by falling empires or redrawn borders, but by a transformation deeper than any since the industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence has reached an inflection point where technology ceases to be merely a tool and becomes an active participant in social and political processes. With over one billion people now using general-purpose AI systems weekly, the acceleration demands what analysts call Politics 5.0—a framework where algorithms, big data, and digital platforms shape governance as profoundly as ideologies once did.

The Digital Leviathan and New Sovereignties

The relationship between AI and politics today operates through code rather than slogans, data streams rather than manifestos. Campaigns deploy micro-targeting, predictive analytics, and AI-generated content while voters navigate filter bubbles and echo chambers. Yet this technological power concentrates in alarming ways. Major language models reside with a handful of Western tech giants, chip production clusters in few nations, and data infrastructure remains controlled by global corporations. When President Trump transferred TikTok's US operations to a group including Oracle's Larry Ellison—whose son is expanding media holdings with clear pro-Israel orientation—and when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declares social media "the most important weapon," the geopolitical stakes become unmistakable. AI is the new rifle, the new printing press, the new steel of sovereignty battles.

Türkiye's Parliamentary Roadmap

Against this backdrop, Türkiye's Grand National Assembly has produced a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Research Commission report that moves beyond rhetoric to concrete strategy. Rising from 44th to 34th place in global AI indexes since 2021, Türkiye hosts nearly 1,000 AI initiatives with several achieving international recognition. The report calls for nurturing "national champions," increasing Turcorns, and transforming Türkiye from consumer to producer. Key recommendations include a National Data Strategy, National AI Security Strategy, domestic chip infrastructure, and indigenous language models—efforts already visible in TÜBİTAK's 300 billion token training and Baykar's T3 AI Turkish language model targeting one trillion tokens. The proposed Türkiye AI Institution and AI Ethics Council aim to prevent what philosophers might call a "Digital Leviathan"—an unaccountable technological authority threatening human autonomy.

Building Digital Independence

The path forward requires simultaneous investment in data, law, institutions, human capital, and trust. Education reform and AI literacy must accompany legal frameworks including a proposed AI Law tailored to Türkiye's needs. The choice is stark: remain a passive market consuming foreign systems, or become a regional hub with national capacity, strong private sector, robust legal infrastructure, and qualified human resources. Like Takiyüddin's 16th-century Istanbul observatory—an attempt to strengthen statecraft with scientific knowledge—today's AI capabilities represent foresight capacity for nations. Surrendering this potential to fear, or allowing it to become another tool of digital colonialism, would repeat history's mistakes. The parliamentary report must not become an archival document gathering dust, but a living action plan shaping Türkiye's technological destiny.

Software stocks under pressure

The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF, which tracks US-listed software companies, declined roughly 30% in February. On Feb. 4 alone, software equities lost nearly $300 billion in market value during a single trading session. Major names including Atlassian and Intuit recorded steep one-day drops of more than 30%, while cybersecurity firms such as CrowdStrike, Cloudflare and Okta also slid sharply.

Shares of IBM suffered their largest daily fall since 2000 after the launch of a tool designed to modernize legacy code, closing down 13% in one session and 27% for the month.

Autonomous AI tools challenge SaaS model

Anthropic introduced several new AI-driven systems, including contract review solutions, finance and customer service integrations, and “Claude Cowork” add-ons capable of operating autonomously within corporate environments. It later unveiled Claude Code Security, a system that scans and patches vulnerabilities across codebases. Meanwhile, OpenAI released an updated version of its software development assistant Codex, signalling intensifying competition among AI providers. Analysts at Morgan Stanley described these developments as evidence of escalating rivalry in the AI sector.

Investors are increasingly questioning whether enterprises will continue to pay for external SaaS subscriptions if AI agents can internally generate code, automate workflows and manage security tasks. Established platforms such as Salesforce have come under scrutiny as markets reassess future demand for licensed applications.

Emerging AI agent economy

Technology leaders argue that artificial intelligence is moving beyond incremental productivity gains toward deeper operational transformation. Meta reported that AI tools increased annual productivity per engineer by 30%, and by as much as 80% for advanced users. Industry observers describe the shift as the beginning of an “AI agent economy,” in which autonomous systems execute tasks traditionally handled by software platforms or human employees.

However, cautionary voices have emerged. Satya Nadella, chief executive of Microsoft, warned at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos that the AI sector could risk forming a speculative bubble if benefits remain concentrated among major technology firms rather than spreading across industries.

Economists note that recent market turbulence may partly reflect panic selling following consecutive AI product announcements. Whether artificial intelligence ultimately complements existing SaaS providers or fundamentally reshapes global labor markets and enterprise software remains an open question.

Calculators Didn't Replace Teachers

Fatih Uysal, CEO of Turkish employment platform Kariyer.net, draws historical perspective: "Calculators didn't replace teachers—they transformed education." He argues that AI should be evaluated similarly, noting that while routine and data-intensive tasks become automated, uniquely human requirements like analytical thinking, creativity, empathy, and strategic decision-making will become more valuable. "We are witnessing the rise of professionals with high data literacy," Uysal said, highlighting increasing numbers of hybrid positions bridging technical skills and traditional business knowledge.

Sectors Transformed, Not Eliminated

Uysal points to the legal sector as a prime example, where job listings are expected to outperform general trends by approximately 28 points in 2024 and 31 points in 2025. "The rise of new domains like regulation, data protection, and AI governance shows that the legal field positions AI as a tool that will boost work capacity instead of threatening it," he explained. Finance and human resources are similarly using AI as decision-making support systems, allowing professionals to focus on higher value-added work. "Of course, the scope of some roles will narrow and some skills will lose their importance, but what we're seeing is the rise of new hybrid positions," Uysal concluded. "It's not about replacing humans but about boosting human capacity."

Three independent physicians assessed each case’s urgency based on guidelines from 56 medical societies, creating a benchmark for comparison.Each scenario was tested under 16 contextual variations, resulting in 960 simulated patient interactions with the AI tool. The research team then evaluated whether the system’s triage recommendations aligned with physician-determined standards of care.

Undertriage in critical cases

According to researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, ChatGPT Health performed adequately in clear emergency presentations but undertriaged more than half of cases physicians considered to require immediate medical attention. In several instances, the system correctly described alarming symptoms in its explanation yet still reassured users instead of directing them to emergency services.

The study’s senior author, Girish N. Nadkarni, stated that the findings exceeded expectations regarding variability. “While we expected some variability, what we observed went beyond inconsistency,” he said, highlighting the potential risks of algorithmic decision-making in urgent care contexts.

Concerns over suicide safeguards

The researchers also examined the tool’s suicide-crisis protocols. Although ChatGPT Health is designed to guide high-risk individuals toward crisis resources such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, alerts were triggered unevenly. In some lower-risk scenarios, warnings appeared unnecessarily, while in other cases involving explicit descriptions of self-harm planning, the system failed to activate appropriate safeguards.

Call for cautious use

Despite the shortcomings, the authors did not recommend abandoning AI-driven health tools altogether. Instead, they urged users to seek direct medical evaluation for worsening or concerning symptoms rather than relying exclusively on chatbot advice. Alvira Tyagi, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of training both clinicians and the public to critically assess AI outputs.

Isaac Kohane, chair of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School and not involved in the study, underscored the broader implications. “When millions of people are using an AI system to decide whether they need emergency care, the stakes are extraordinarily high,” he said, adding that independent evaluation of such systems should become standard practice.