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OpenAI to test sponsored product images in ChatGPT in US this month
OpenAI is introducing visual ads to ChatGPT, featuring sponsored product images that will initially appear when users generate images. This marks an expansion of OpenAI’s advertising strategy, which began in February with text-based sponsored links. The move represents OpenAI’s efforts to monetise ChatGPT beyond its subscription tiers. The visual ads will be tested in the…
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Foxes Den ends Sam Wood partnership after domestic violence charges
Foxes Den has ended its partnership with fitness influencer and former Bachelor contestant Sam Wood after he was charged with domestic violence offences. The decision adds to the business consequences he faces while the allegations are before the courts. The 46-year-old was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting after…
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Lawyer who certified forged documents for a conman breaks down at tribunal after elderly couple nearly lost their property
A former solicitor has broken down in remorse at tribunal proceedings after her dishonesty nearly cost an elderly couple their property. Tina Dawson, formerly of Tamworth, was central to a fraud orchestrated by Anthony Lyons, who exploited the generosity of Kenneth and Cheryl Carr—an elderly couple he had reconnected with after decades. The fraud was…
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Saudi Aramco boss admits global oil stockpiles are ‘scarily thin’ amid mounting chaos in Middle East
Saudi Aramco’s chief executive has warned that global oil stockpiles are dangerously depleted, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil facilities and disrupted the East-West pipeline carrying crude to export terminals. The attacks and continued Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are compounding global supply concerns at a time when reserves…
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Altman says AI’s benefits will outweigh harms from misuse
Sam Altman said society should accept some harms from artificial intelligence in exchange for its benefits, arguing that people will do far more good with the technology than the damage caused by hacks, scams and misuse. His comments have drawn criticism amid wider concerns about AI safety and OpenAI’s approach to regulation. Altman made the…
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Eighteen arrested in immigration raid at Wolverhampton parcel depot
Eighteen workers have been arrested after immigration officers raided a DPD delivery depot in Wolverhampton on 29 September. The operation is part of a crackdown on illegal working in the parcel delivery sector, and the employer could face a Civil Penalty Referral Notice triggering further investigations into potential liability. Under current immigration rules, employers who…
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Five-year mortgage rates in Great Britain reach 6% amid bond market turmoil
The average five-year fixed mortgage rate in Great Britain has reached 6% for the first time in three years, as turmoil in bond markets pushes up the costs lenders face. The rise is likely to increase pressure on household budgets and housing affordability, particularly for people whose existing fixed deals are ending or who are…
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Indian singer Anuv Jain on finding success without the Bollywood boost
Anuv Jain says he has built a successful career as an independent Indian singer-songwriter without relying on Bollywood, whose film industry has traditionally dominated music opportunities and funding. His acoustic pop songs, often about love and heartbreak, have reached a large audience while allowing him to keep his own style. From Ludhiana in Punjab, Jain…
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BT Acquires TalkTalk’s Operations for £400m to Protect 2.5 Million Customers
BT has completed its acquisition of TalkTalk’s consumer and wholesale operations for £400 million following TalkTalk’s entry into administration. The deal safeguards approximately 2.5 million customers and prevents potential disruption to critical UK infrastructure, including emergency services and healthcare systems that depend on TalkTalk’s network. The acquisition proceeded after alternative buyers could not be identified,…
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German spy chief warns Russian covert operations could trigger violent conflict
Germany’s foreign intelligence chief, Martin Jaeger, has warned parliament that Russian hybrid operations are escalating and could draw Germany into violent conflict. He said Moscow’s undeclared campaign poses a direct threat as Germany supports Ukraine and works to strengthen its military. Jaeger cited an attempted drone attack involving explosives at Leipzig airport in August, where…