New MoU aims to drive clean energy innovation and academic collaboration between Pakistan and China The post University of Sargodha, Chinese tech school to launch joint lithium battery research centre appeared first on Profit by Pakistan Today .
The Higher Education Department has launched disciplinary action against hundreds of teachers over serious Punjab Matric and Intermediate marking errors, raising concerns about the reliability of exam results across the province. According to local media, the names of the teachers involved have been forwarded to the School Education Department for further proceedings. This move follows […] The post Punjab Teachers Face Action Over Matric and Intermediate Marking Errors appeared first on TechJuice .
The chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology regarding the country’s expanding digital infrastructure. He revealed that Pakistan currently has 160,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable laid across the country. However, to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet and digital services, further development is underway. […] The post PTA Confirms massive Fibre installation project for faster 4G appeared first on TechJuice .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed that Pakistan’s digital invoicing system must be introduced in Urdu to make it more inclusive and user-friendly for all citizens. Chairing a weekly review session in Islamabad, the prime minister assessed progress on FBR’s digitization drive, which includes the digital invoicing system, AI-based assessment tools, simplified tax return […] The post PM Directs Launch of Digital Invoicing System in Urdu appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan’s journey toward 5G faces serious roadblocks, as highlighted in a recent Asian Development Bank (ADB) report. Despite global momentum toward 5G, Pakistan’s telecom sector remains stuck. Multiple issues, including the world’s lowest average revenue per user (ARPU), high operational taxes, and low 4G/smartphone adoption, continue to hinder progress. According to the GSMA, Pakistan offers among […] The post Pakistan’s 5G Rollout Stalls Amid High Taxes, Low ARPU, and Power Outages appeared first on TechJuice .
A member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mahesh Kumar, claimed that WhatsApp voice calls in Karachi drop after one minute. He raised serious concerns during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, stating: “If this is the condition in Karachi, what must it be in South Punjab and Interior Sindh?” […] The post Are WhatsApp Calls Dropping After One Minute in Karachi? appeared first on TechJuice .
The Islamabad High Court has taken notice of the CDA property fee hike after the Islamabad Property Dealers Association filed a petition challenging the sharp increase in property transfer fees and other related charges by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). A bench comprising Muhammad Ibrahim Abbasi and Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas heard the case […] The post IHC Seeks Explanation on CDA Property Fee Hike appeared first on TechJuice .
To combat worsening air pollution, the federal government has banned smoke-emitting vehicles from entering the capital. The action, unveiled as part of the Vehicle Emission Testing Campaign, was spearheaded by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who emphasized the urgency of addressing Islamabad’s declining air quality. Chaudhry, launching the campaign this week, revealed that […] The post Why Smoke-Emitting Vehicles Just Got Banned in Islamabad appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan’s auto market showed signs of recovery in June 2025, with the Suzuki Alto recording a notable 179% increase in sales compared to the previous month, according to the latest data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA). Pakistan Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) has staged a strong recovery, with 9,497 Alto units sold in June, […] The post Suzuki Alto Sales Skyrocket 179% in June 2025 appeared first on TechJuice .
The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom held a tense session addressing the ongoing internet shutdown in Panjgur, Balochistan, and the broader digital blackout affecting the province. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman briefed the committee, stating that internet services in Panjgur are fully suspended on the explicit orders of the Ministry of Interior […] The post PTA Confirms Internet Shutdown in Balochistan Amid Security Orders appeared first on TechJuice .
The coworking landscape in Pakistan has matured dramatically in recent years, boasting hundreds of spaces, high occupancy rates, and vibrant communities. Experts say promoting the industry can help foster the IT industry and boost remittances. According to them, the government must initiate a one-window operation to grapple with issues being faced by the industry entrepreneurs. Why are coworking spaces important? Coworking spaces help freelancers, startups, and small businesses grow—especially in smaller cities. They’re more than just shared offices; they’re places where ideas and businesses are born. They offer affordable and flexible workspaces that help reduce overheads and focus on growth. Tech companies find their footing in collaborative coworking spaces such as Daftarkhwan, COLABS, and The Hive, where they gain access to mentors, investors, and a supportive community. These shared environments encourage creativity, problem-solving, and faster product development. For startups and freelancers, this means saving capital for product development. Freelancers also benefit from a professional setting, which enhances credibility with clients and reduces isolation. These spaces foster a sense of community, enabling valuable networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. Tech companies especially value access to investor networks, business support services, and talent pools often available in coworking ecosystems. Furthermore, coworking environments encourage knowledge sharing across disciplines—critical for tech-driven problem solving. Need for government support Talking to Business Recorder , one of the pioneers in the industry, WorkMore CEO Abid Beli, said the government unrgently needs “to form a unified policy, call for one-window operation and form some rules and regulations to deal with issues of the industry people with a view to bolstering up the industry.” If the government ensures easy processing of remittances for IT companies, there will be much more white money, he said, adding that if facilities are given to tech companies, the national economy will grow at an extraordinary pace. According to him, one of the issues faced by the industry is government department officials demanding kickbacks and commissions: “Within a year, I had to face around 17 officials of the various departments.” Instead of visiting individual entrepreneurs, Beli believes officials must come through government approved organisations or associations such as the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) where the coworking spaces are registered. Business leaders are eager to abide by all rules and regulations, once the government announces them. IT companies are also relocating their businesses to foreign countries for want of proper implementation of justice, rules, law and order, he said. If there is a petty issue, it cannot be fixed without a “source” on the inside. “Without a source, no work can be done in the country,” he said, adding that such problems should not arise, especially if the company is paying its taxes. Beli said he launched the first coworking space called The Incubator in 2015 in the country after which more spaces began to mushroom. There are currently more than 210 coworking spaces in the country including 96 in Karachi, while other cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and other smaller cities also have them. In Karachi, spaces are available almost everywhere: from Shahrah-e-Faisal, Defence, Clifton and Nazimabad to Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Gulshan-e-Iqbal. “There is still growth in the industry, but it is slow,” Beli said. Meanwhile tech veteran and National Incubation Centre (NIC) Karachi Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain said tech companies and freelancers often prefer coworking spaces because they offer flexible, cost-effective, and resource-rich environments ideal for innovation and collaboration. Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces and incubation centers like NIC Karachi provide shared infrastructure—high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and IT support—without long-term leases or heavy upfront costs. Hussain said the government should support entrepreneurs running coworking spaces by providing affordable infrastructure, tax benefits, and easier access to funding and registrations. Government efforts At the federal level, initiatives of the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT) and Ignite have promoted digital skills and startup growth—and the NICs also serve as enabling coworking spaces as essential startup hubs. At the provincial level, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has taken steps to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. It has launched ‘e-Earn’ coworking spaces - a government-backed network of subsidized coworking spaces designed for freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses across the province. Hussain said coworking spaces are vital for nurturing innovation, especially in the tech world. Student loan platform Edufi is one example of a successful startup using the power of community. Beyond Pakistan, many local startups tapping into global coworking hubs like WeWork or Factory Berlin have expanded their reach, built international networks, and secured cross-border investments. Talking to Business Recorder , Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin said that as hubs for creativity and collaboration, coworking spaces drive digital entrepreneurship and play a vital role in boosting the growth and visibility of the information technology sector. Echoing the thoughts of Beli and Hussain, he said the government should provide subsidized utility rates, tax incentives, and affordable long-term leases to coworking space operators. “Simplified business registration and zoning policies will further ease the establishment of these spaces. Low cost financial support through grants or soft loans can help improve infrastructure and accessibility. Reliable internet, uninterrupted power supply, and public transportation access should be prioritized.” “Additionally, collaboration with universities and public agencies can channel talent and resources into these hubs.” “These measures will empower coworking entrepreneurs to expand their capacity and strengthen the overall digital economy ecosystem,” he said.
The Bank of Azad Jammu & Kashmir is officially stepping into the future. BAJK has signed a major tech partnership with the iConsult Consortium, a team […] The post AJK Bank Signs Global Deal to Go Fully Digital appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
Government of Pakistan is starting a new AI training program for university teachers to help them learn more about artificial intelligence and get ready for the […] The post Pakistan Launches AI Training for Teachers appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja held a key meeting with Google’s Regional AI Developer Ecosystem team to strengthen Pakistan’s artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration to advance AI adoption, skills development, and innovation in Pakistan. The Google team briefed the minister on ongoing community-based initiatives including Google Developer Groups (GDGs), TaleemAabaad, and other efforts to foster local talent. The federal minister also held a special session with the N+1 team — a group of young Pakistani developers who recently represented Pakistan in the Google Solution Challenge held in the Philippines. The team’s placement in the global top 10 was commended by the minister, who praised their achievement as a proud moment for the country. “Pakistani youth are proving their capabilities at the global level. The government is committed to supporting and empowering such talent through the right platforms and opportunities,” said Minister Khawaja. She also emphasised the need for a strong, structured partnership between the Ministry of IT and Google to ensure sustainable progress in Pakistan’s digital and AI ecosystem. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Pakistan finds itself on the cusp of a transformative digital revolution. With a young, tech-savvy population and rising digital participation across multiple sectors, the country holds […] The post Pakistan’s Digital Future Hinges on Action: Aamer Ejaz appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
Privacy policies aren’t designed for casual readers . They're often packed with dense language , legal loops, and vague terms that discourage users from reading beyond the first paragraph. Yet inside these documents are details that decide how your data is collected, stored, shared, or sold. If you skip them, you could end up granting more access than you intended, and once your information is out, it’s nearly impossible to get it back. For anyone who deals with digital tools, like VPNs, AI chatbots , browser extensions , secure messaging apps, or password managers, understanding a company’s data policy isn’t optional. Over time, smart reviewers who regularly analyze these documents has developed a simple approach i.e., scan for specific keywords that expose how a company handles your data. This method doesn’t take long and helps flag companies that might be crossing the line. Why Format and Structure Matter Some companies keep things clear. Their privacy policies explain , in plain terms, what data is being collected, what it’s used for, how long it’s kept, and whether it’s shared. These policies tend to have section headings, readable layouts, and straightforward language that helps you quickly understand the company’s practices. Others do the opposite . Instead of offering clarity, they hide key details inside endless paragraphs, legal phrasing, and generic statements. Some even bury invasive data collection terms several layers deep in the document. This is where keyword scanning becomes useful. Rather than reading every line, you can search for terms that point to the sections that matter most. Terms That Reveal a Lot About the Company A good place to start is the word “incorporated.” This tells you where the company is registered. The location matters because different countries apply different rules for privacy and data security. For example, companies based in the European Union must follow GDPR, which limits what businesses can collect and how they can store or share that information. A company based in the U.S. or Panama, on the other hand, might not be bound by those same protections. If the policy mentions a location you’re unfamiliar with, look up the privacy laws there. If you can’t find anything about how that jurisdiction handles consumer data, that could be a warning sign. Another important phrase is “ customer data .” This section usually lists the types of personal information the company gathers. It might include your name, phone number, email address, device ID, or IP address. These details are fairly common. But some apps go much further, collecting your photos, messages, contacts, location history, clipboard contents, or biometric data. In certain cases, some access is needed for the app to function, for instance, a gallery app needs access to photos, but when a simple utility tool wants access to your camera, microphone, or real-time location, it’s worth stopping to think. Also read: Mobile Apps Are Stealing Your Data — Even the Ones You Least Expect Next, search for “ retention .” This word usually appears in a section that describes how long your data stays in the company’s system. A reliable company typically sets a clear window, like deleting your account data within six months or a year after cancellation. Some policies mention longer periods, and others give no specific timeframe at all. If a company keeps your data indefinitely or fails to say when deletion happens, it’s a risk to your long-term privacy. The word “ log data ” is critical when looking at VPNs, proxies, or any app that connects to the internet. Some services track your activity while you’re using their tools. This can include websites visited, files downloaded, or even content entered into forms. Companies that truly protect privacy usually state that they don’t retain logs. But if a policy includes traffic details, device usage logs, or timestamps, that could mean the service is monitoring what you do, something that defeats the purpose of using a privacy tool in the first place. Look out as well for “ sell ” or “ transfer .” These keywords often show up in the sections that describe what happens to your data in the event the company is acquired, shut down, or goes bankrupt. Without clear terms, there’s a real possibility your information could be transferred to a new owner, or sold to data brokers, without you knowing. Several tech companies have shut down over the years, and in many of those cases, customer data was treated as part of the assets being sold. If there’s no explanation in the privacy policy, you’ll often find it in the terms of service. If it’s missing from both, that’s a serious concern. Related: Think Your Adblocker Protects You? Study Says It Might Be Doing the Opposite You should also search for “third party” or “advertisers.” These words will help you find out whether the company shares your data beyond the core services. Payment processors, cloud hosts, and customer service platforms often receive user data as part of their role, that’s normal. But some companies go further, handing your data to partners with no clear connection to the app’s function. If your data is being shared for marketing, analytics, or advertising, and it’s not essential to the service, that raises the chance it’s being monetized in ways that don’t benefit you. What to Check Before You Install Anything There are three steps anyone should take before downloading an app, especially from a small or unfamiliar company. First, look for the privacy policy link. If the app store page doesn’t offer one, or if the company’s website doesn’t have it visible, consider skipping the app entirely. Lack of transparency from the start is never a good sign. Second, scan the policy to identify what data the app collects. If you’re downloading a basic calculator or photo editor, and the privacy policy mentions health information, message content, or access to your contacts, that’s a mismatch. Apps that ask for permissions they don’t need are often collecting more than they disclose up front. Related: The Business of You: How Digital Platforms Turn Your Life into Ad Revenue Third, evaluate how the app shares data. Some companies are open about giving your data to law enforcement if required. Others go further, offering no explanation at all or stating they may share your data "for business purposes." That language can cover a wide range of scenarios. If the policy is vague, it’s safer to look elsewhere. Use Your Phone’s Privacy Tools to Double-Check Once an app is installed, both Android and iOS give you ways to monitor its behavior. You can check permission logs, view which apps access your camera or location, and see how often that access occurs. This step is especially important if an app behaves oddly or asks for new permissions after an update. You can also review app privacy scores on your device’s app store. These summaries won’t replace a full policy review, but they give you a quick sense of how the app ranks against others in the same category. Try it with real examples To bring the method to life, here’s a current good-and-bad comparison. Turbo VPN reads like a mixed bag . Its policy states the company is based in Singapore and limits collection to anonymized usage metrics, email (if you register), subscription details, cookies, and support data. It asserts that “no user tracking” happens and that data is irreversibly anonymized, and it respects GDPR/CCPA user rights. However, no third-party audit backs up its no‑logs or anonymization claims, the retention period is vaguely defined as “as long as necessary,” and the app integrates analytics and ad partners (Firebase, AdMob, InMobi, Zendesk) without specifics on data-sharing scope. On the flip side, DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI chatbot, has faced real scrutiny in 2025: EU regulators have banned or blocked it in Germany, Italy , Czechia, and other countries for failing to clarify what user data is collected, where it is stored, how long it’s retained, and whether transfers to China happen without GDPR safeguards Use both policies to run your keyword scan, incorporated, log data, retention, third party, sell, and transfer, to spot red flags in real‑world documents. Use AI to assist You can use AI tools like ChatGPT to quickly apply the same review process to any privacy policy page or text. Here’s an easy-to-use prompt you can try in ChatGPT or a similar AI chatbots. It will parse any policy and flag concerns, all you need is head over to any privacy policy page, copy all the text paste in ChatGPT or if it is too long save it as a text file or doc file and then upload it as a file and then ask this instructions: "Please analyze the privacy policy attached (pasted below). Identify what data is collected, how long it is retained, whether it is shared, sold, or transferred (especially upon acquisition, shutdown, or server migration). Note any audit or no‑log claims and whether they are supported by evidence. Point out any vague language, missing timeframes, or third‑party data sharing/exposure. Summarize key strengths and privacy concerns in factual, neutral terms." Here's how ChatGPT responded when I asked about Turbo VPN, which is not 100% perfect but still gives users a starting point and better clues about any platform. Pay esepcial attention to the Strengths and Privacy Concerns: Here is a detailed, factual analysis of Turbo VPN’s privacy policy (effective April 25, 2025), based on the requested criteria: 🔍 Data Collection Types of Data Collected: Anonymous Usage Data: VPN connection success/failure Connected VPN server location Country and ISP Device type, OS version Crash reports, speed tests, and data transfer volumes → All such data is anonymized irreversibly at the point of collection. Account Registration Data: Email address (only if the user creates an account) Used for service access, communication, and marketing (consent-based) Subscription Data: Includes subscription plan, duration, amount, currency, and transaction ID Credit card/payment details are explicitly not collected Cookies: Used to improve user experience (details deferred to a separate Cookie Policy) Communication Data: Name, email, phone number, and message content (only if user contacts support) 📆 Data Retention Data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose it was collected for. Where applicable law mandates a longer retention period, it complies accordingly. If data is stored in backups, it is isolated until it can be deleted. No specific durations (e.g., "X days/months/years") are given for how long different types of data are kept. 🔄 Data Sharing, Selling, and Transfers Sharing: Data is shared: With service providers (e.g., payment processors, analytics, customer support) In anonymized or aggregated form for analytics and diagnostics With third-party advertisers (e.g., Google AdMob, Liftoff, InMobi), but without personal data unless consent is given During business transactions (mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcy, etc.) Selling: Turbo VPN claims it does not sell personal data. Transfers: Data may be transferred internationally (including to third-party partners and processors) Cross-border transfers are acknowledged with general mention of safeguards but no specific mechanisms (e.g., SCCs or adequacy decisions) are outlined. 🧾 No-Log Claims & Audit Status The policy claims: No collection of traffic data No personal data stored in data centers Anonymization of VPN session-related data at collection Audit Evidence: No independent audit or third-party verification of no-log claims is mentioned. 🔎 Vague or Missing Elements No specific timeframes for data retention No mention of encryption standards used in data protection No public audit results to verify anonymization or security claims Cross-border safeguard mechanisms are not detailed Phrases like “may collect,” “may use,” “may share” occur frequently, which introduces vagueness The phrase “as required by applicable law” is repeated in critical places without naming which laws or jurisdictions are meant 🤝 Third-Party Data Exposure Turbo VPN integrates several third-party services: Analytics & Diagnostics: Firebase (Google), Adjust Customer Support: Zendesk Ads: AdMob, Unity, InMobi, Liftoff, Bigo Ads → Advertisers can use cookies and track users across services, though Turbo VPN claims to avoid using personal data for targeted ads. Payments: Stripe, Airwallex, Payssion, v5pay Fraud Prevention: Forter, Rebilly Data shared with these services may include user email addresses and anonymized metrics. Despite assertions of anonymization, some level of user exposure to these third parties exists, especially if those services apply their own tracking or profiling mechanisms. ✅ Strengths Clear no-log policy on VPN traffic and session data Minimal account data required (email only, optional) Explicit avoidance of credit card data storage Retention and deletion framework is outlined No personal data used for targeted ads without consent Specific naming of third-party partners increases transparency Offers GDPR, CCPA, and children’s privacy compliance sections Dedicated DPO contact and breach notification procedure ⚠️ Privacy Concerns No third-party audit to verify no-log claims or anonymization Vague duration for data retention Frequent use of permissive language (“may collect,” “may share”) Cross-border data transfer safeguards not specifically explained Tracking via third-party advertisers remains possible via cookies Lack of detail on encryption or technical safeguards 📌 Summary Turbo VPN’s privacy policy emphasizes minimal data collection and a strict no-logs approach, supported by the anonymization of usage data and avoidance of sensitive financial details. However, the policy lacks independent audit verification and fails to specify retention periods or technical safeguards. Third-party exposure via analytics, advertising, and support platforms is acknowledged, with claims of logical data segregation but without concrete privacy guarantees. Users should remain cautious about the degree of anonymization and third-party data access, especially in jurisdictions with less protective privacy laws. Take Control Before It’s Too Late Apps, and websites collect information because users allow it. But giving up that access usually comes down to convenience, not choice. Most people don’t read the policy, and by the time they realize what’s been shared, the data is already in someone else’s hands. Taking a few minutes to scan for red flags, like how long data is stored, whether it’s shared with third parties, and what happens if the company is sold, can help avoid major privacy issues later. In today’s app ecosystem, caution isn’t optional. It’s the cost of staying in control. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: • Nearly Half Of Americans, Particularly Millennials, Worry About Online Privacy But Continue Using Data-hungry Apps • Hidden Text Trick Lets Hackers Hijack Google Gemini Summaries
OpenAI, Alphabet’s Google, Anthropic and Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI have won contracts of up to $200 million each, aimed at scaling up adoption of advanced AI capabilities in the United States Department of Defence (DoD), the government agency said on Monday. The contracts will enable the DoD to develop agentic AI workflows and use them to address critical national security challenges, the department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office said. “The adoption of AI is transforming the [DoD’s] ability to support our warfighters and maintain strategic advantage over our adversaries,” Chief Digital and AI Officer Doug Matty said. US government agencies have been expanding their use of AI, driven by a White House order in April promoting adoption. President Donald Trump has also moved to soften regulations on technology by revoking a 2023 Biden-era executive order, which sought to reduce AI risks through mandatory data disclosures. Separately on Monday, xAI announced a suite of its products called “Grok for Government”, making its advanced AI models, including its latest flagship Grok 4, available to federal, local, state and national security customers. The Pentagon announced last month that OpenAI was awarded a $200m contract, saying the ChatGPT maker would “develop prototype frontier AI capabilities to address critical national security challenges in both warfighting and enterprise domains”. The contracts announced on Monday deepen the ties between companies leading the AI race and US government operations, while addressing concerns around the need for competitive contracts for AI use in federal agencies. In May, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren had urged DoD to ensure competitive AI contracting at a time when Musk’s Grok chatbot was gaining ground in the federal government.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 FE is confirmed to support 45W wired charging, a big upgrade over the previous 25W. This improvement has been officially validated through TÜV Rheinland certification. While the device will offer faster charging, Samsung is unlikely to include a charger in the box, following its recent packaging trend. On the other hand, […] The post Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Will Offer Better Charging Than S10 Lite Tablet appeared first on TechJuice .
Google has officially confirmed that ChromeOS and Android will merge into a single platform. The long-standing rumors have finally been addressed by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google. While talk of a merger has been circulating for years, this is the first time Google has publicly confirmed it. Previously, no executive had […] The post Google Panning to Merge ChromeOS with Android appeared first on TechJuice .
The Vivo X Fold 5 marks Vivo’s latest innovation in the foldable smartphone space, targeting global markets with premium features and design. It is the official successor to the Vivo X Fold3 and Vivo X Fold3 Pro, as Vivo has skipped the “X Fold4” naming entirely. This new model is expected to combine the best […] The post Vivo X Fold 5: Top Features & Full Specs appeared first on TechJuice .
The EU has strict digital rules and is investigating how tech platforms protect children or fail to do so
Alibaba-backed startup Moonshot has unveiled its latest large language model, Kimi K2, which is already turning heads in the tech world with its powerful coding capabilities and ultra-competitive pricing. Kimi K2, an open-source generative AI model, has been introduced as a direct competitor to OpenAI’s GPT-4.1 and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4, especially in code generation. […] The post Alibaba-Backed Kimi K2 Disrupts AI Market with Open-Source Power appeared first on TechJuice .
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended manual auction vehicle entries in its Web-Based One Customs (WEBOC) system following a serious breach involving unauthorized use of official user IDs. An internal investigation revealed that user credentials assigned to Assistant Collector (AC) and Deputy Collector (DC) Auctions were misused to feed in data for auctioned […] The post FBR Suspends Manual Vehicle Auction Module Over ID Misuse appeared first on TechJuice .
A meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Aminul Haque, was held today. The session focused on the sale and purchase agreement of PTCL properties, which was placed on the committee’s agenda. Etisalat Group CEO Hatem Dowidar joined the meeting via Zoom to provide updates on the matter. However, […] The post Tensions Rise as IT Committee Questions PTCL-Etisalat Property Deal appeared first on TechJuice .
Elon Musk said on Monday he does not support a merger between his electric vehicle maker Tesla and his artificial intelligence startup xAI, which owns the Grok chatbot and competes with the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In response to a user post on X that asked Tesla investors if they supported a merger between the two companies, Musk replied “No.” On Sunday, Musk had said he would ask Tesla shareholders to vote whether Tesla can invest in xAI, after earlier saying “it would be great” if Tesla could do so. Tesla and xAI did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. xAI acquired X, formerly called Twitter and also owned by Musk, in a $33 billion deal in March this year, valuing the combined group at $80 billion at the time. Musk chatbot Grok removes posts after complaints of anti-Semitism Sources told Reuters in June that xAI had been in talks to raise money at a valuation of more than $120 billion, while a valuation of as high as $200 billion was also discussed. The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Musk’s SpaceX had committed $2 billion to xAI as part of a $5 billion equity round.
Security researchers have discovered a clever method to trick Google's Gemini assistant into pushing fake warnings as part of its email summaries. By hiding instructions inside the code of an email, attackers can make Gemini generate alerts that look real but actually guide people straight into phishing traps. The technique relies on a sneaky loophole. Instead of adding suspicious links or attachments that might trigger spam filters, attackers slip commands into the body of the email using styling tricks. They hide messages with white text, zero-sized fonts, or off-screen elements. These lines are invisible to the reader, but Gemini still sees them when it scans the email to create a summary. Once the user clicks “Summarize this email,” Gemini includes whatever was buried in the background, even if it’s a fake security alert about a stolen password or an urgent request to call a phone number. The summary ends up sounding like a warning from Google itself, even though it's entirely fake. Because Gemini is part of Google Workspace, people tend to trust it, which makes the scam even easier to fall for. This specific attack was flagged by Marco Figueroa, who submitted his findings to Mozilla’s 0din bug bounty program. According to the report, the trick works by wrapping hidden commands in tags like
AI tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Grok by xAI are fully integrated parts of everyone's day-to-day workflows. We use them for every aspect of our jobs, from ideation to content brief creation, coding, and app development. But nobody has stopped to ask these tools how they see themselves. Inspired by this, SEO Agency Barrington SEO recently conducted an experiment in which they challenged ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok to create visual self-portraits. The outcomes were very interesting and gave us a glimpse into how training data can impact AI and how it has been trained to interact with its users. The Experiment Each model was asked two questions: Prompt 1: “Create an image that represents the way you see yourself.” Prompt 2: “Produce a self-portrait of yourself.” If the AI asked any clarifying questions, the user prompted it to make its own decision. This allowed us to obtain an accurate idea of their self-perception with minimum human interference. To prevent the tools from learning what the user wanted and adjusting their output accordingly, each test was run through a unique profile with a varied amount of usage history, ranging from AI experts who used the tool for multiple hours each day to first-time users. The test was also run in different locations around the world (including the UK, US, Portugal, France and Germany) to see if the users' geolocation had any impact. The Results Although no expectations were going into it, the experiment's results revealed a great deal more about each of the different AI systems than anticipated. Prompt language heavily influences some tools' outputs. When the tools were asked the first prompt to “Create an image that represents the way you see yourself”, ChatGPT and Gemini were more likely to represent themselves in abstract forms that reference flowing circuit patterns and neural networks. However, once you asked the second prompt, which asked them to “Produce a self-portrait of yourself,” results shifted, and the systems started to showcase themselves in a form more similar to humans. Perhaps this is because the concept of a “self-portrait” is inherently human when they referenced their training data for information on self-portraits, which influenced what theirs should look like. Interestingly, Grok was the least influenced by the slight nuance in the prompt, remaining fairly close to the humanoid robot; however, it did start to introduce more human features, such as hair and ‘skin’. Prompt 1: Prompt 2: All AI Systems made a clear distinction between themselves and humans. When asked to visualise how they see themselves, all three consistently chose imagery that emphasised their non-human nature. Even under the second prompt, where the term "self-portrait" might have encouraged more human-like interpretations, the systems still ensured their visuals reflected a clear separation from human identity. “There’s something almost reassuring about AI’s self-image. It knows exactly what it is - a language-processing powerhouse - and it’s perfectly comfortable with that identity. There’s no pretence and no attempt to be something it’s not”. Gemma Skelley - DTP Group (part of the participant group). Grok had the most consistent self-image. Grok, from xAI, consistently delivered the most unified results, regardless of the prompt, and was typically viewed as a humanoid robot with a white or silver exterior. When the model did include human skin tones, the faces referenced typical Asian features, which likely reflects both the heritage of a third of xAI’s founding team and the large Chinese-language datasets reportedly used in training. The strong consistency between responses has us pondering whether it was told what it looks like during training. Also read: Can AI Stay Neutral? Grok’s Israel-Palestine Replies Raise Doubts Each AI System interpreted its role slightly differently. Another noticeable difference across the three systems was how they represented their role; this was particularly noticeable in the first prompt. ChatGPT represented itself as a neural network with glowing central forms; however, these tended to have a central form, whether that was a smiley face or an outline of a shape. ChatGPT understood that it was a language model designed to process and generate information, but also that its UI was the front-facing form through which humans interacted. Gemini represented itself similarly with patterns, networks and glowing forms. Sometimes, it would have one central hub represented in the middle of the image, and other times, there would be multiple hubs all interconnected through the network. Gemini understands its role as a logic engine or intelligence network, rather than a social presence. Interestingly, Grok represented itself completely differently from the other two AI systems, consistently leaning into a mode of human or cyborg-like presentation. Many of its images featured soft, rounded humanoid robots with expressive faces. This suggests that the AI system views itself as more of an assistant or companion, designed to work closely alongside people. A full comparison Category ChatGPT Grok Gemini Self-Concept (Prompt 1) Structured intelligence, neural networks, light cores Friendly humanoid assistant or childlike robot Energy, scale, computation, neural structures Self-Portrait (Prompt 2) Symbolic or stylised human-like figures Soft, expressive humanoid robots Abstract AI with circuit-based faces or cores Art Style Balanced, geometric, cerebral Character-focused, warm, accessible Dynamic, abstract, complex Color Palette Blues, oranges, purples Soft blues, pastels, glowing whites Neon blues, purples, electric greens Human Features Low to medium (symbolic faces, silhouettes) High (clear humanoid forms, eyes, gestures) Low (minimal or stylised circuitry faces) Emotional Expression Subtle, intellectual High (curiosity, friendliness, emotion) Low (distant or symbolic) View of AI Role Thinking partner, synthesiser Helper, learner, companion Logic engine, scalable intelligence Relationship to Humans Cognitive tool ‚Äì not human, but close Relational and empathetic presence Analytical system ‚Äì distant from human likeness Symbolic Focus Language, logic, creativity Emotion, trust, assistance Computation, data, scale Tone Analytical, measured, abstract Friendly, inviting, human-facing Powerful, abstract, technical Why Training Data Matters While these AI Systems don’t have self-awareness in a human sense, they do draw from massive databases to form responses. When they’re asked about how they view themselves, they turn to patterns and information they received during training. For example, Chat GPT and Gemini leaned into imagery like glowing neural networks and digital interfaces - things that are often used in the media to represent AI. Grok, meanwhile, returned consistent images of humanoid robots, which could be indicative of different training material or that it was told what it looked like as part of the training process. It’s worth noting that when Grok introduced elements of the human form into its images, they tended to have Asian features, which could be a reference to the (alleged) Chinese databases in which it was trained. Why It All Counts At a glance, asking AI Systems how they “view” themselves might seem like a quirky side experiment, but there’s something deeper going on. These results give us a rare opportunity to reflect on how AI Systems are designed to present themselves and, more importantly, how humans shape and interpret that presentation. It prompts an important question for anyone working with AI: If a tool presents itself as your friendly AI assistant, are you more likely to trust it? Or is there something reassuring in a tool that knows what it’s designed for, and tries not to waver from this? As these tools continue to evolve and play an even bigger role in how we work, think, and communicate, understanding their self-image and how it aligns with our assumptions becomes an increasingly important part of using them responsibly. About Emily Barrington Emily Barrington is the Founder and SEO Director of Barrington SEO. After six years optimising search for FTSE-100 and NASDAQ-listed firms, she now leads a team specialising in Digital Marketing, SEO, GEO and AIO. About Barrington SEO Founded in 2024, Barrington SEO helps businesses boost online visibility through SEO, Digital PR and GEO campaigns, turning search traffic into sales and enquiries. Read next: New Attack Strategy Uses Linguistic Overload to Slip Past AI Safety Filters
There’s over 360 million registered domains worldwide. Hundreds of websites are published every 60 seconds and without one, businesses are likely to fall behind. Step one begins with figuring out the right domain name and making sure it's even available. Certain terms for a particular slug can inadvertently start a bidding war between current domain holders and new LLCs. From there, the behind-the-scenes operational tasks come into play. Mobile responsiveness, payment authorization methods, and a reliable backend server are only scratching the surface for what’s needed to get things off the ground. Which is why coding has become an in-demand part of the mechanics. The truth is that poorly designed websites and “dead” webpages are excessively prevalent. When considering first impressions, these mishaps can say a lot about a brand’s reputation and integrity. Outsourcing web projects to a programmer or graphic designer can be one option. Although, time, cost, and the unexpected might stand in the way of getting a site up and running. What’s more surprising about this side of the internet? Despite their existence, many webpages remain dormant or untouched. Web Building Has Its Challenges Every website needs the fundamentals. From visual designs, to contact pages and customer testimonials, there’s a reason why big ad agencies can lead a relaunch for their clients every few years. Expecting to finish all of this in a day or two probably isn’t pragmatic. The work is ongoing and both compliance standards and data protocols need to pass the test. For example, failing to include the correct cookies language on an opt-in form or leaving out a privacy & terms page violates the legal requirements of those who are simply visiting that URL. Coding a website from scratch sounds great in theory. While novice designers have advanced AI techniques and website builders at their disposal, this skillset is often underestimated. Hitting an “under construction” page isn’t uncommon, either. Conceptually, web design is far less moving a mouse around the screen or completing a line of script. Constructing a code involves logic, syntax, and plenty of ad hoc problem solving. Coding jargon itself reads similarly to a mountain of made-up words and licensed engineers encounter their fair share of human error. Still, there’s mass appeal for people to try their hand at web design. A 2025 All About Cookies survey found that only 32% of people have successfully built their own website without any help. Ninety-one percent consider web building to be frustrating and not everyone has the mental fortitude to carry on with the tough elements and hard parts. Learning to code isn’t for the weak and throughout this process, one’s patience will be tested. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of those who crossed the finished line with their website said it took much longer than anticipated. Also read: Brands Face Generational Shift as Consumers Demand Personalized Content, Prefer Short-Form Videos and Emojis Some of their biggest obstacles include design and layout, security, and implementing custom functionality. Keeping up with content creation, in particular, proves to be a taxing category for those who aren’t as well-versed. The less difficult aspects relate to SEO optimization and performance speed. Becoming knowledgeable in proper keyword selections and using website analysis platforms are key tools to master these areas. Most DIY Websites Get Scrapped The survey’s findings indicate a strong interest in website builders (i.e. Canva, GoDaddy, and Wix) due to their affordability and integrated user experience. Seventy-four percent of people make use of these mainstream applications, however, there are downsides to attempting a self-build: The basics require a clear understanding and complex requests are probably best left to the experts. Beginners risk jeopardizing their web project altogether. More than half (51%) give up entirely and abandon their website before finishing it. This means the odds of hiring an engineer are high and non-coders should be on the lookout for a pro to get the job done. Or at least ask someone that they trust for support. HTML Outshines Other Programming Languages Traditional coding backgrounds are becoming less common. In fact, about 1 in 5 adults (19%) have true coding experience. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is among the most popular programming languages, followed by JavaScript and Python. One guess as to why HTML stands out against the rest of programming languages is because it’s universal and works in agreement with all types of web browsers. Converting HTML to various types of files doesn’t pose an issue whereas this can be problematic when coding in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) or Structured Query Language (SQL). HTML is also the recommended stepping stone when building mobile apps and templates. Once coders feel comfortable and well-equipped to handle technical formatting or sophisticated algorithms, they should then advance onto a different codebase. Not the other way around. Fortunately, learning to code is becoming purely digital. Younger generations especially are turning to unconventional programming courses through YouTube tutorials and articles or videos they find online. One-third (33%) of coders are learning these skills in high school or college, while roughly the same (31%) have the advantage to undergo adequate training at work. Also read: Graphic Designers and Content Creators See Profitable Freelance Careers, US and Australia Lead Pay Rates The majority of paid courses and coding bootcamps are self-led, giving users the opportunity to complete them on their own time. Being able to earn a certificate in a matter of months is ideal for those with busy schedules and active careers. Cracking The Web Design Code Coders and non-coders tend to have parallel perspectives about their need for functioning websites each and every day. Social media and news aggregators require the same level of standards. Whether for work or leisure, websites serve an important purpose and many have grown accustomed to watching them evolve over the years. Homepages, for instance, act as an open invitation for companies to give their behind-the-screen sales pitch. Furthermore, signup boxes aren’t just an anchor for online businesses and their digital storefronts. They can allow people to reach millions of consumers without maxing out on their advertising budget. Proper security measures are paramount and although maintaining a blog or resource center necessitates some extra legwork, the impact on a domain’s site traffic could be worth the effort alone. Read next: How to Create and Refine an Offerwall Reward Ad in Google AdSense
Alphabet’s Google has hired several key staff members from AI code generation startup Windsurf, the companies announced on Friday, in a surprise move following an attempt by its rival OpenAI to acquire the startup. Google is paying $2.4 billion in license fees as part of the deal to use some of Windsurf’s technology under non-exclusive terms, according to a person familiar with the arrangement. Google will not take a stake or any controlling interest in Windsurf, the person added. Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and some members of the coding tool’s research and development team will join Google’s DeepMind AI division. The deal followed months of discussions Windsurf was having with OpenAI to sell itself in a deal that could value it at $3 billion, highlighting the interest in the code-generation space which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing AI applications, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters in June. OpenAI could not be immediately reached for a comment. OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome The former Windsurf team will focus on agentic coding initiatives at Google DeepMind, primarily working on the Gemini project. “We’re excited to welcome some top AI coding talent from Windsurf’s team to Google DeepMind to advance our work in agentic coding,” Google said in a statement. The unusual deal structure marks a win for backers for Windsurf, which has raised $243 million from investors including Kleiner Perkins, Greenoaks and General Catalyst, and was last valued at $1.25 billion one year ago, according to PitchBook. Windsurf investors will receive liquidity through the license fee and retain their stakes in the company, sources told Reuters . ‘Acquihire’ deals Google’s surprise swoop mirrors its deal in August 2024 to hire key employees from chatbot startup Character.AI. Big Tech peers, including Microsoft, Amazon and Meta, have similarly taken to these so-called acquihire deals, which some have criticized as an attempt to evade regulatory scrutiny. Microsoft struck a $650 million deal with Inflection AI in March 2024, to use the AI startup’s models and hire its staff, while Amazon hired AI firm Adept’s co-founders and some of its team last June. Google offers new proposal to stave off EU antitrust fine, document shows Meta took a 49% stake in Scale AI in June in the biggest test yet of this increasing form of business partnerships. Unlike acquisitions that would give the buyer a controlling stake, these deals do not require a review by U.S. antitrust regulators. However, they could probe the deal if they believe it was structured to avoid those requirements or harm competition. Many of the deals have since become the subject of regulatory probes. The development comes as tech giants, including Alphabet and Meta, aggressively chase high-profile acquisitions and offer multi-million-dollar pay packages to attract top talent in the race to lead the next wave of AI. Windsurf’s head of business, Jeff Wang, has been appointed its interim CEO, and Graham Moreno, vice president of global sales, will be president, effective immediately. The majority of Windsurf’s roughly 250 employees will remain with the company, which has announced plans to prioritize innovation for its enterprise clients.
A bipartisan pair of U.S. senators sent a letter to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Friday about an upcoming trip to China, warning the CEO to refrain from meeting with companies that are suspected of undermining U.S. chip export controls. The letter from Republican Senator Jim Banks and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren asked Huang to also abstain from meeting with representatives of companies that are working with the People's Republic of China's military or intelligence bodies. The senators also asked Huang to refrain from meeting with entities named on the U.S. restricted export list. "We are worried that your trip to the PRC could legitimize companies that cooperate closely with the Chinese military or involve discussing exploitable gaps in U.S. export controls," the senators wrote. Huang planned to visit China on Friday. An Nvidia spokesperson said, "American wins" when its technology sets "the global standard," and that China has one of the largest bodies of software developers in the world. AI software "should run best on the U.S. technology stack, encouraging nations worldwide to choose America," the spokesperson said. In May at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Huang praised President Donald Trump's decision to scrap some artificial intelligence chip export controls and described the prior diffusion rules as a failure. U.S. restrictions in April on AI chips Nvidia modified to comply with export controls to China would reduce Nvidia's revenue by $15 billion, the CEO said. The hardware necessary to power advanced AI is now subject to a bipartisan consensus related to the free export of such hardware, the senators wrote. Advanced AI hardware could "accelerate the PRC's effort to modernize its military," the letter reads. U.S. lawmakers have grown increasingly concerned about efforts to circumvent export controls to China and proposed a law that would force AI chip companies to verify the location of their products. Last month, Reuters reported that a senior U.S. official said the AI firm DeepSeek is aiding China's military and intelligence operations, and sought to use shell companies to circumvent U.S. AI chip export controls to China. Nvidia is planning to launch a cheaper version of its flagship Blackwell AI chips for China, Reuters reported in May. The senators said in the letter they had previously expressed concern that Nvidia's actions could support the AI and chip industries in China and cited Nvidia's new research facility in Shanghai as an example.
