Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first-ever Gold Medal at the prestigious International Science Olympiad. Abdul Raffay Paracha, a student from Siddique Public School, earned the Gold at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in the Philippines from July 20 to 27, making history for the nation. This victory marks a […] The post Pakistan Wins Gold at International Science Olympiad in Historic First appeared first on TechJuice .
The Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has revised the FBR customs values on duplex and packaging board imports. The changes apply to One Side Coated Duplex Board (Grey Back) and Two Side Coated Packaging Board imported from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Europe, the USA, Canada, and the Middle East. The department […] The post FBR Customs Values on Duplex and Packaging Board Revised appeared first on TechJuice .
The sugar price in Multan has surged significantly as the ongoing crisis continues to affect the grain and open markets. According to details, the wholesale rate of sugar has jumped by Rs6 per kg, while open market prices have soared between Rs200 to Rs220 per kg. Meanwhile, in the grain market, sugar is now being […] The post Sugar Price in Multan Sees Sharp Rise Amid Ongoing Crisis appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan has officially joined the global AI landscape through the launch of the AAAI Pakistan Chapter. Founded in 1958, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence […] The post AAAI Launches Pakistan Chapter to Boost Global AI Integration appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
Multiple projects launched under PM Shehbaz’s leadership; proposals include camping sites, tech-driven tourist facilitation, and road upgrades The post Federal government prioritizes Gilgit-Baltistan development with focus on tourism, health, and youth employment appeared first on Profit by Pakistan Today .
The Sindh School Education & Literacy Department has announced new timings for all public and private institutions across the province. The updated schedule will take effect on August 1, 2025. This change applies to both single- and double-shift schools and colleges. It covers all levels, primary, secondary, and higher secondary, as well as government and […] The post Schools and Colleges in Sindh to Operate on New Timings appeared first on TechJuice .
The Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) has revealed the schedule for the second annual matric exams. The exams will begin on September 10, 2025. Along with this, the board has also issued a detailed fee submission timeline for students. Official Notification Breakdown: Single Fee SubmissionStudents can submit their admission forms with a […] The post Lahore Board Confirms Dates for Second Annual Matric Exams appeared first on TechJuice .
The Pakistan government has successfully wrapped up a comprehensive cybersecurity audit of 15 federal ministries, divisions, and attached departments as part of the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan (Phase‑I) program. Conducted under the oversight of the Ministry of Information Technology, this milestone marks a major stride toward strengthening national digital resilience. With PKR 1,076.17 million of the […] The post Govt. Completes Cybersecurity Audit of 15 Federal Ministries in Pakistan appeared first on TechJuice .
In an effort to streamline the process of bank account opening, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released new regulations for customer onboarding. Standardization of procedures, reduction of documentary hurdles, and provision of digital account access are now compulsory under the new framework. SBP has instructed banks and regulated financial institutions to ensure that […] The post SBP Unveils New Framework to Ease Bank Account Opening appeared first on TechJuice .
Imagine a world where managing your money is as easy as sending a text message. Well, in Pakistan, that world is already here, and it’s growing super fast. Our country’s “fintech” scene is booming because lots of people don’t have traditional bank accounts, but almost everyone has a mobile phone. These wallets are powering over […] The post Easypaisa vs JazzCash: The Ultimate Mobile Wallet Showdown in 2025 appeared first on TechJuice .
IT minister showcases national tech vision in Shanghai; engages Chinese envoy to boost AI and smart city cooperation The post Shaza Fatima represents Pakistan at WAIC 2025, advances digital ties with China appeared first on Profit by Pakistan Today .
Most fixed-line broadband services in Pakistan are underperforming, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) latest Quality of Service (QoS) survey for Q2 2025. The authority reviewed 45 broadband operators across 22 cities and found widespread non-compliance with key performance indicators. One of the key findings was that many operators exceeded the 80% threshold for […] The post PTA QoS Survey Flags Major Issues with Fixed-Line Broadband Services appeared first on TechJuice .
Honor has officially launched its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the Honor X6c, in Pakistan today, July 25, 2025. The device arrives in two variants: 12GB RAM + 128GB storage priced at PKR 29,999 and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage priced at PKR 34,999. This new entry offers a compelling mix of design, performance, and features aimed at […] The post Honor X6c Launched in Pakistan with Impressive Specs & Price appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan’s automotive landscape has just taken a historic leap forward as BYD officially launches the Shark 6 PHEV on 25 July 2025. a powerful plug-in hybrid electric vehicle priced at PKR 19.95 million. This highly anticipated launch marks BYD’s most ambitious step yet into the Pakistani market, introducing a machine that’s not only rugged and […] The post BYD Shark 6 PHEV Officially Launched in Pakistan – Price Revealed appeared first on TechJuice .
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) recovered Rs150 million from Reckitt Benckiser Pakistan on July 25, 2025. The penalty was imposed for the deceptive marketing of its product, Strepsils. The recovery occurred after the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) dismissed Reckitt Benckiser’s appeal due to non-prosecution. Following this, CCP attached the company’s bank account under Section […] The post CCP Recovers Rs150 Million Penalty from Reckitt Benckiser appeared first on TechJuice .
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) have partnered to establish a Joint Agricultural Science Lab, marking a significant step toward advancing modern farming practices in Pakistan. The initiative will focus on collaborative research to enhance high-yield crop production, sustainable farming, and resource efficiency. According to China Economic […] The post Pakistan, China Set Up Joint Agricultural Science Lab appeared first on TechJuice .
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has started the 2025 Matric exam rechecking process for students who wish to get their answer sheets reviewed. The rechecking application portal is open until August 8, and candidates can submit their requests online from home. Each paper rechecking will cost Rs1,200, but if any marking […] The post BISE Lahore Announces 2025 Matric Exam Rechecking Schedule appeared first on TechJuice .
Zong brought its Z SAIS Cloud showcase to Islamabad after successful events in Lahore and Karachi, highlighting the steady expansion of Zong cloud services across the country. Zong’s Z SAIS Cloud initiative reflects the company’s move beyond traditional telecom offerings, delivering enterprise-grade, business-ready solutions aligned with evolving corporate needs. The Islamabad event was more than […] The post Zong Cloud Services Expanded with Strategic Islamabad Showcase appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan’s first government-backed Makerspace is set to launch soon in Lahore, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive toward innovation and digital transformation. The initiative is a joint effort by the Planning & Development Board, Government of the Punjab, and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). “Makerspace Punjab will serve as a modern innovation […] The post Pakistan’s First Govt-Backed Makerspace Set to Launch in Lahore appeared first on TechJuice .
The government on Friday called on global social media organisations to immediately block the accounts of proscribed terrorist groups disseminating propaganda on their platforms. On Wednesday, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry had highlighted how a terrorist group was using WhatsApp channels to “disseminate hateful content and harmful narratives”, urging the platform and the global community to help Pakistan combat terrorism. Addressing a joint press conference today in Islamabad alongside Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Chaudhry said: “I want to request social media operators and platforms to cooperate with us on the blockage and removal of accounts, taking measures to stop mirror accounts and to share information of account holders who are operating these accounts.” Chaudhry said terrorist groups and individuals, including those banned in the United States, the United Kingdom and sanctioned by the United Nations, were operating accounts on social media platforms such as X, Facebook and WhatsApp. He said the National Action Plan (NAP) — formed in 2014 to take action against terrorists through a concerted national effort — requires taking action against those spreading propaganda on media and social media. The agenda items of NAP include a ban on the glorification of terrorists and terrorist organisations through print and electronic media, and measures against the abuse of the internet and social media for terrorism. He requested social media firms to block these groups; use artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent “mirror accounts”; and share information about their operators. He urged creating auto-detect and auto-block algorithms against such accounts. Barrister Malik said authorities had unearthed 481 accounts associated with proscribed terrorist groups on various platforms and reported them to social media organisations. He urged social media firms to share information about account holders to “amplify counterterrorism operations in dealing with this newer threat”. He also requested them to implement strict measures, which include AI methods to discover more accounts. He invited them to establish their presence in the country and sought enhanced cooperation in the digital world. Malik said Pakistan was at the forefront and had rendered sacrifices in the war against terrorism, but a new trend had surfaced on social media apps such as X, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram. “We will welcome social media platforms to set up offices in Pakistan for better coordination,” he said. “We seek coordination between social media platforms and our law enforcement agencies on social issues and the presence of terrorist organisations on social media.” He said terror groups such as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Islamic State Khorasan Province, Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front had an active presence on social media platforms, noting they have been banned by the US and the UK as well. “Pakistan remains steadfast and is committed to our resolve to combat terrorism. Apart from operating on the ground, we have seen new trends in the digital realm,” he said. He said the state minister for interior also highlighted how terrorist groups were “working on social media, recruiting and actively disseminating propaganda” through WhatsApp and other platforms. “These social accounts significantly enhance their social media presence, whether it through their real names of pseudonyms. It poses a threat to our nation, citizens and the rest of the world.”
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to introduce Islamabad electric trams in a move to modernize and improve public transportation for residents of the capital city. The decision was taken during a meeting at CDA headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. As part of the initiative, 140 […] The post Islamabad Electric Trams Set to Hit Capital Roads Soon appeared first on TechJuice .
In a major policy shift, the Sindh government has abolished parking fees on public roads across Karachi, according to an official notification issued recently. The directive confirms that no authority, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), will be allowed to collect parking fees from public roads in any part of the city. The parking fee […] The post Sindh Abolishes Parking Fees on Public Roads Across Karachi appeared first on TechJuice .
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 826,000 stolen mobile devices reported through its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). In addition, 55 million fake or replica phones have been identified and blocked, curbing the use of unauthorized and low-quality devices across local networks. This development comes at a time when local smartphone manufacturing […] The post PTA Blocks Stolen Phones and Bans 55 Million Counterfeits in Crackdown appeared first on TechJuice .
In a groundbreaking achievement for climate journalism, Pakistani reporters Hamna Iqbal Baig and Faisal Rehman have been honored with the 2025 Developing Asia Journalism Award (DAJA) by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI). Their investigative report, “In the Heat of Labour,” published on FairPlanet with support from the Earth Journalism Network, sheds light on a […] The post Pakistani Journalist Honored with ADBI DAJA Award for Climate Reporting appeared first on TechJuice .
KARACHI: China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, is gearing up to produce its first Pakistan-assembled EVs by July or August 2026, as confirmed by Danish Khaliq, Vice President of Sales and Strategy at BYD Pakistan. The new facility is being constructed near Karachi, in collaboration with Mega Motor Company, a subsidiary of Hub Power (Hubco). […] The post BYD to Begin Assembling Electric Cars in Pakistan by 2026 appeared first on TechJuice .
Bureaucratic delays hinder agricultural reforms and modernisation in Punjab as a Chinese delegation explores modern farming technologies and investment opportunities in Punjab The post Chinese investors irked by slow progress in agricultural partnership under CPEC due to bureaucratic hurdles appeared first on Profit by Pakistan Today .
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Swat has officially declared the SSC Annual-I 2025 Examination results for both 9th and 10th class students. Students who appeared in the BISE Swat Matric exams 2025 can now check their results through multiple platforms including the official website, SMS service, and the board’s helpline. How to […] The post BISE Swat Matric Result 2025 Announced! appeared first on TechJuice .
Electronic Arts (EA) has officially released the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 trailer, giving fans an early look at the next evolution of the long-running military shooter series. The intense reveal trailer showcases urban warfare, large-scale destruction, and the franchise’s signature cinematic chaos—along with the long-awaited return of a single-player campaign, which was absent in Battlefield […] The post Battlefield 6 Trailer Teases Return to Franchise Roots appeared first on TechJuice .
AI tools are appearing in nearly every corner of daily life. Phones, apps, search engines, and even drive-throughs have started embedding some form of automation. What used to be a straightforward browser is now bundled with built-in assistants that try to answer questions, summarize tasks, and streamline routines. But these conveniences come at a growing cost: your data. The requests for access from AI apps have grown broader and more aggressive. Where once people questioned why a flashlight app needed their location or contacts, similar requests are now made under the banner of productivity. Only now, the data these apps ask for cuts far deeper. One recent case involved a web browser called Comet, developed by Perplexity. It includes an AI system designed to handle tasks like reading calendar entries or drafting emails. To do that, it asks users to connect their Google account. But the l ist of permissions it seeks goes far beyond what many would expect . It asks for the ability to manage email drafts, send messages, download contact lists, and view or edit every event across calendars. In some cases, it even tries to access entire employee directories from workplace accounts. Perplexity claims that this data remains on a user’s device, but the terms still hand over a wide range of control. The fine print often includes the right to use this information to improve their AI systems. That benefit flows back to the company, not necessarily to the person who shared their data in the first place. Other apps are following similar patterns . Some record voice calls or meetings for transcription. Others need access to real-time calendars, contacts, and messaging apps. Meta has also tested features that sift through a phone’s camera roll, including photos that haven’t been shared. Also read: Google’s Gemini Tops List of AI Chatbots Collecting the Most User Data The permissions these tools request aren't always obvious, yet once granted, the decision is hard to reverse. From a single tap, an assistant can view years of emails, messages, calendar entries, and contact history. All of that gets absorbed into a system designed to learn from what it sees. Security experts have flagged this trend as a risk. Some liken it to giving a stranger keys to your entire life, hoping they won’t open the wrong door. There’s also the issue of reliability. AI tools still make mistakes, sometimes guessing wrong or inventing details to fill in gaps. And when that happens, the companies behind the technology often scan user prompts to understand what went wrong, putting even private interactions under review. Some AI products even act on behalf of users. That means the app could open web pages, fill in saved passwords, access credit card info, and use the browser history. It might also mark dates on a calendar or send a booking to someone in your contact list. Each of these actions requires trust, both in the technology and the company behind it. Even when companies promise that your personal data stays on the device, the reality is more complicated, as highlighted by u/robogame_dev or Reddit . Most people assume this means photos, messages, or location logs remain untouched. But what often slips under the radar is how that raw information gets transformed into something else, something just as personal. Also read: Privacy laws lag behind AI use; emotional support via chatbots remains legally vulnerable with no guaranteed confidentiality. Modern AI tools extract condensed representations from your data. These might look like numerical vectors, interest segments, or hashed signals. While the raw voice clip or image may stay local, the fingerprint it generates, a voice embedding, a cohort ID, or a face vector, often gets sent back to the server. These compact data points can still identify you or be linked with other datasets across apps, devices, and even companies. Over time, that creates a shadow profile. It doesn’t need your full browsing history or photo albums to be useful. A few attributes, like the categories of content you read, the way you speak, or your heart rate trends, can reveal more than expected. Advertisers, insurers, or third-party brokers may use this information to shape pricing, predict preferences, or infer sensitive traits. So while on-device processing helps limit exposure, it doesn’t erase the risk. Much like measuring your face without keeping the photo, what gets extracted and exported can still follow you around the digital world. If an app/tool asks for too much, it may be worth stepping back. The logic is simple: just because a tool can help with a task doesn’t mean it should get full access to your digital life. Think about the trade. What you’re getting is usually convenience. What you’re giving up is your data, your habits, and sometimes, control. When everyday tools become entry points for deep data collection, it's important to pause and ask whether the exchange feels fair. As more of these apps blur the line between helpful and invasive, users may need to draw that line themselves. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: Study Finds Most Marketers Use GenAI, But Few Have Worked with Agentic AI
Cannes Lions this year has marked an important shift in the discourse of AI adaptation in marketing: no longer just promises, but actual implementation and performance. A common perception across multiple panels, or even brand showcases regarding this new integration, is that there should be no separation between generative AI and a creative and strategic approach. From efficient content creation to personalizing campaigns at a large scale, the AI tech is clearly helping marketers achieve unprecedented productivity. But do they really know in-depth about their tools? What will be the next development of AI? And are they ready to face this new wave? To answer these questions, Outcomes Rocket has conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the current situation in the field of marketing under this new wave of AI. From different industries, in different roles and organization sizes, 1,299 marketers have participated and expressed their perspective. The findings showed that marketers’ daily work has been assisted with generative AI massively; however, only a third of them have exposure to other forms of AI, such as agentic AI. The survey not only revealed positive angles of this adoption but also fear among newcomers in terms of job security in this field within the next two or three years. Widespread AI Adoption in Marketing The data showed that almost all of the participants (89.5%) use AI in their work. This is true cross-industry no matter what the job level or the size of the organizations, especially small businesses that do not have a large budget for marketing but need to compete with other big corporations. Generative AI is dominating the AI market in marketing, with 93.5% of marketers utilizing the tools for content creation, including blog posts, advertisement copy, social media content, and other creative brainstorming purposes. Standing at the top of the list is ChatGPT, with 94.8% of users choosing it as their main platform. This result is expected due to its ease of use, versatility, real-time interaction, and the ability to generate output across a wide range of formats and tones. The biggest differentiator for ChatGPT is that OpenAI was the first mover in the game, allowing this tool to be tested and experimented with by the public before any other competitor rolled out their own. As a result, ChatGPT will always be mentioned in any AI conversation, so naturally, it became the first pick for many users when it comes to generative AI. Early Stage but Growing Interest in Agentic AI However, generative AI is not the only answer to marketing. Agentic AI could be the answer to a fully autonomous AI solution. This single tool is capable of running a complete marketing campaign with minimum human interaction, from developing strategy, segmenting the audience, to creating content and distributing across channels, and even analyzing performance. This model will analyze historical data, competitor trends to determine which action is most suitable to take. It could be a new campaign, a new ad strategy, or an entire test of A/B testing. Unlike the traditional automation method, agentic AI learn from its results to produce the most optimal course of action. Also read: Brands Face Generational Shift as Consumers Demand Personalized Content, Prefer Short-Form Videos and Emojis Nonetheless, despite the immense potential, the implementation of agentic AI is still at the primary level, with only 33.3% of marketers having experimented with agentic AI. The current atmosphere around this tool is mostly reserved or unfamiliar. However, this is not a bad indicator; instead, it shows that agentic AI has promising growth and could be transformative to the entire field in the next 12 to 24 months. Once more, marketers and organizations have experimented with this model, and agentic AI can surely become the top contender in marketing technology. Trust Issues and Training Gaps in AI Use Accuracy has always been the top concern for every AI model that has been introduced, and application in marketing is not an exception. Over 93% of marketers experience the common problems with AI-generated content: inaccuracy, bias, or irrelevancy. Therefore, around 70% spend a lot of time revising or proofreading the output before publishing. It could be surprising that with such a high frequency of working alongside AI, only 42% of them are confident in spotting AI-generated content. Lack of official guidance and education could be the explanation. The survey revealed that 80% of participants did not have any formal AI training from their company. Not only does this figure demonstrate the lack of preparedness in the workforce, but it also sheds light on the inefficiency of the integration process of a new tool. Job Security Concerns Are Rising The survey also explored the sentiment towards the effects of AI regarding employment, which turned out to be quite negative. The pressure is present and high, with nearly 89% of marketers believing that AI will result in job losses in the next two or three years. The statistics indicate that one-third of marketing activities will potentially become automated shortly, and junior positions are the most likely to be impacted. Automation will mostly target routine or repetitive work, which is the main responsibility of junior positions. Therefore, these fears among the less experienced marketers concerning long-term career security are truly reasonable and expected. While most of them believe AI will take over lots of marketing roles, the advantages of using AI are undeniable, with 63% of participants viewing AI as a helpful assistant rather than a potential substitute. Their perception focuses on applying AI to boost overall productivity, reduce their time on routine work, which allows more time on creative tasks or strategy. On the other hand, a rather small percentage of participants (16%) believe that AI will take away all the marketing jobs. Although the concern for job security is high, the vast majority of them (over 70%) have not experienced any direct impact from these AI-driven threats. Looking at the big picture, advocacy for AI is stronger, suggesting a new transformation in the field for the better and not necessarily a takeover by AI. Future Outlook: Continued Growth and Investment Despite the undeniable ambivalence regarding marketing job security with this high rate of AI adoption, marketers are still open and eager to take the full advantage of this new technology. Overall, the feeling regarding the possibilities that AI has to offer is very positive. Almost eight out of ten marketers believe that generative AI will be the largest game-changer shortly and will bring significant change in creating content, engaging audiences, and developing campaigns. In addition to content creation, predictive analytics and hyper-personalization are gaining rapid attention. Over 50% of the respondents believe that these data-powered tools will be used more often in the future to get a closer look at customer behavior, thus allowing the team to create highly personalized experiences. In the meantime, 41.7% of marketers believe their institutions will invest more in AI tools and technologies within the coming year. Such an investment is evidence of the transformative power of AI. Investors are willing to bet their money on it, in the hope that AI will lead to growth and innovation. Read next: Financial Cybercrime Risks Vary Sharply Across U.S. States, Report Finds
The United States space agency Nasa will lose about 3,900 employees under President Donald Trump’s sweeping effort to trim the federal workforce, at the same time as he prioritises plans for crewed missions to the Moon and Mars . In an emailed statement, Nasa said around 3,000 employees took part in the second round of its deferred resignation programme, which closed late on Friday. Combined with the 870 who joined the first round and regular staff departures, the agency’s civil servant workforce is set to drop from more than 18,000 before Trump took office in January to roughly 14,000 — a decrease of more than 20 per cent. Those leaving Nasa on the deferred resignation programme will be placed on administrative leave until an agreed departure date. An agency spokesperson said the figures could shift slightly in the coming weeks. “Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organisation and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a golden era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” the agency said. Earlier this year, the Trump administration’s proposed Nasa budget put a return to the Moon and a journey to Mars front and centre, slashing science and climate programmes. The White House says it wants to focus on “beating China back to the Moon and putting the first human on Mars”. China is aiming for its first crewed lunar landing by 2030, while the US programme, called Artemis, has faced repeated delays. Nasa is still run by an acting administrator after the administration’s initial pick to lead the agency, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman — endorsed by former Trump adviser Elon Musk — was ultimately rejected by the Republican president.
WhatsApp is evolving into a smarter messaging platform with the integration of Meta AI. These upgrades enhance productivity, usability, and privacy. With several AI tools now available or in development, users can expect a more intelligent and seamless experience. Here are five of the most useful AI-powered tools currently coming, or already available, on WhatsApp. […] The post WhatsApp Is Rolling Out These 5 Game-Changing AI Features appeared first on TechJuice .
SHANGHAI: China said on Saturday it wanted to create an organisation to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, positioning itself as an alternative to the U.S. as the two vie for influence over the transformative technology. China wants to help coordinate global efforts to regulate fast-evolving AI technology and share the country’s advances, Premier Li Qiang told the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday released an AI blueprint aiming to vastly expand U.S. AI exports to allies in a bid to maintain the American edge over China in the critical technology. Li did not name the United States but appeared to refer to Washington’s efforts to stymie China’s advances in AI, warning that the technology risked becoming the “exclusive game” of a few countries and companies. China wants AI to be openly shared and for all countries and companies to have equal rights to use it, Li said, adding thatBeijing was willing to share its development experience and products with other countries, particularly the “Global South”. The Global South refers to developing, emerging or lower-income countries, mostly in the southern hemisphere. How to regulate AI’s growing risks was another concern, Li said, adding that bottlenecks included an insufficient supply of AI chips and restrictions on talent exchange. Nvidia’s Huang hails Chinese AI models as ‘world class’ “Overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional rules,” he said. “We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible.” Shanghai headquarters The three-day Shanghai conference brings together industry leaders and policymakers at a time of escalating technological competition between China and the United States - the world’s two largest economies - with AI emerging as a key battleground. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced technology to China, including the most high-end AI chips made by companies such as Nvidia and chipmaking equipment, citing concerns that the technology could enhance China’s military capabilities. Despite these restrictions, China has continued making AI breakthroughs that have drawn close scrutiny from U.S. officials. China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu told a roundtable of representatives from over 30 countries, including Russia, South Africa, Qatar, South Korea and Germany, that China wanted the organisation to promote pragmatic cooperation in AI and was considering putting its headquarters in Shanghai. The foreign ministry released online an action plan for global AI governance, inviting governments, international organisations, enterprises and research institutions to work together and promote international exchanges including through a cross-border open source community. The government-sponsored AI conference typically attracts major industry players, government officials, researchers and investors. Saturday’s speakers included Anne Bouverot, the French president’s special envoy for AI, computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as “the Godfather of AI”, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has in past years regularly appeared at the opening ceremony in person or by video, did not speak this year. Besides forums, the conference features exhibitions where companies demonstrate their latest innovations. This year, more than 800 companies are participating, showcasing more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices and 60 intelligent robots, according to organisers. The exhibition features predominantly Chinese companies, including tech giants Huawei and Alibaba and startups such as humanoid robot maker Unitree. Western participants include Tesla, Alphabet and Amazon.
Over 800 Chinese and international tech companies converged at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, spotlighting more than 3,000 AI innovations amid stringent US export controls. Chinese giants like Huawei and Alibaba joined startups including DeepSeek and Unitree, while Western players such as Tesla, Alphabet and Amazon also participated. Premier Li Qiang opened the event, […] The post Tech Companies Flaunt AI Innovations Despite U.S.-China Chip Disputes appeared first on TechJuice .
Samsung is actively seeking new partners to power the future of Galaxy AI beyond Google’s Gemini. Talks are already underway with multiple vendors. Among them, Perplexity and OpenAI stand out as top contenders. Reports from June suggest Samsung may invest in Perplexity and integrate its assistant and app into upcoming smartphones. OpenAI is also in […] The post Samsung to Expand Phone AI Capabilities Beyond Gemini appeared first on TechJuice .
Infinix has officially introduced the Hot 60 Pro+ for global markets, as expected, on July 25, 2025. The global launch includes three additional smartphones from the Infinix Hot 60 Series: the Hot 60 Pro, Hot 60i, and Hot 60 5G. The Hot 60 Pro+ runs on the Helio G200 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and […] The post Infinix Hot 60 Series Goes Global – Full Specs Inside appeared first on TechJuice .
As TechJuice previously reported, the Riddara RD6 electric pickup is expected to officially launch by August or September. Now, the company has revealed its price, which starts at PKR 13,299,000. Along with the pricing, key global features and specifications have been confirmed, showcasing RD6’s capability and innovation in the EV segment. The RD6 offers impressive […] The post Riddara RD6 Electric Truck Price Officially Revealed appeared first on TechJuice .
Oppo is gearing up to launch its new A6 series, which includes the A6 GT and A6 Max. Despite being budget-friendly, these smartphones may pack advanced features and solid hardware. The A6 GT and A6 Max are expected to feature flat LTPS OLED displays with 1.5K resolution. This high-resolution screen is rare in this segment, […] The post Oppo A6 Series Promises Exciting Surprises Ahead of Launch appeared first on TechJuice .
A sophisticated new YouTube Discord malware campaign is making waves in the cybersecurity world. Threat actors are now leveraging the combined power of YouTube and Discord to distribute info-stealing malware that can compromise everything from browser passwords to cryptocurrency wallets. The malware campaign, uncovered by researchers at Netskope, relies on a clever strategy: hijack legitimate […] The post Hackers Exploit YouTube, Discord to Deploy Info-Stealing Malware appeared first on TechJuice .
Fortnite is no stranger to blockbuster tie‑ins, but its latest movie collab is perhaps its most unexpected. Fans will be getting a collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film One Battle After Another. Announced via an Instagram teaser, the campaign features Fortnite protagonist Jonesy reenacting a scene from the movie trailer using a payphone, abruptly […] The post You Won’t Believe Fortnite’s Surprising Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Collab! appeared first on TechJuice .
A recent test, conducted by Aleyda Solís , shows that ChatGPT sometimes references information from Google Search when Bing results are missing or delayed. The test involved creating a new webpage that wasn’t yet indexed. When ChatGPT’s browsing tool was asked about it, the system couldn’t find the page. It returned a message saying the content might be outdated or unavailable. Google Gemini, on the other hand, accessed and summarized the page without issue. The webpage was then submitted for indexing in both Google and Microsoft Bing. Google processed it successfully. Bing didn’t. Hours later, the page appeared in Google’s results. It still wasn’t visible in Bing. Around the same time, ChatGPT began referencing a short portion of the page. When asked about the source, it responded that the snippet came from web search. The wording matched the exact snippet shown in Google’s result. The page never appeared in Bing’s listings during this period. The match with Google’s content suggests ChatGPT may rely on Google’s preview data when Bing doesn’t return anything. Other examples online point to the same pattern. In those cases, ChatGPT returned summaries that matched Google’s search preview instead of Bing’s. Some developers reviewing technical logs also noticed that ChatGPT sends requests through Bing by default, but may still end up using content that only appears on Google. This behavior suggests fallback logic. If Bing doesn’t return usable results, ChatGPT appears to use visible Google search snippets to fill in missing details. There’s no official explanation of this process. The test also highlights how traditional search indexing remains relevant for AI search tools. If a page isn’t available on Bing search, but is visible in Google, ChatGPT may still use the Google snippet. How exactly it accesses that content isn’t clear. It may involve cached pages or proxy connections that aren’t disclosed. Whether or not ChatGPT tries to crawl the original page directly wasn’t confirmed in the test. Web server logs might reveal that information, but no access records were checked. The outcome shows that Google’s search previews can affect what ChatGPT reports, especially when Bing isn’t up to date. This may continue to affect how information appears in AI-assisted tools until Bing improves its indexing. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: ChatGPT Therapy Sessions May Not Be Protected in Court
New rules aimed at keeping children away from harmful online material have taken effect in the United Kingdom. The measures apply to websites and apps that display content involving pornography, violence, or subjects like suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. Companies operating these services are now required to check users’ ages through approved methods such as credit card verification or facial image analysis. The law assigns enforcement responsibilities to the country’s media regulator. Platforms that don’t follow the rules may face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, depending on which amount is higher. If companies ignore official information requests, senior managers may face legal consequences. The requirement follows the 2023 Online Safety Act, which outlined duties for digital platforms to reduce harm for both children and adults. After a preparation period, the enforcement phase has started. Regulators have confirmed that thousands of adult websites are now using age checks. Social media platforms are being monitored for compliance with the same standards. Also read: Sam Altman Sees Short Video Apps, Not AI, as Bigger Threat to Kids' Minds Recent findings from the regulator show that about half a million children between the ages of eight and fourteen viewed online pornography in the last month. The figures have drawn concern from child protection groups and public officials. The changes are intended to reduce the chances of similar exposure going forward. While some gaps in enforcement remain, the introduction of mandatory checks is seen as a shift toward a more controlled online environment for minors. The aim is to create fewer pathways for children to reach dangerous or inappropriate content. Additional measures are being considered. Officials have mentioned the possibility of setting time limits for how long children can spend on social apps each day. Any future changes will be introduced through separate decisions or legislative updates. Digital platforms are now expected to meet technical and procedural requirements to show they are protecting young users. Oversight will continue as the regulator reviews how well the new rules are being followed. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: Financial Cybercrime Risks Vary Sharply Across U.S. States, Report Finds
A new analysis of online financial crime data shows wide variation in how states are affected by scams, fraud, and digital theft. According to 2024 figures compiled from FBI reports, Mississippi ranks as the safest state, followed by Texas, Minnesota, Alabama, and South Dakota. Each of these states reported low victim counts, lower financial losses per resident, or smaller increases in scam activity over recent years. Mississippi had the fewest victims per million people, and its total financial losses remained among the lowest nationwide. Even with fewer cybercrime laws in place, it showed relative stability, which may suggest that a lower rate of targeting plays a role. Texas performed well despite its population size, aided by a stronger legal framework. Minnesota’s ranking came from a balance of low victim numbers and strong legislative presence. High Losses Concentrated in D.C., Iowa, and Nevada Washington, D.C. stood out with the highest per-capita losses in the country. Between 2022 and 2024, its total financial damages rose sharply, reaching over $400 million when adjusted for population. Most of the losses were linked to high-value scams, including investment fraud and business email compromise. Iowa also showed a steep rise in both victims and losses. Nevada experienced similarly high numbers, driven by identity theft and phishing attacks. In these states, legislative measures have been slow to match the growing risk. D.C. and Iowa, in particular, have limited policy protections in place. Nevada’s high urban population and large number of visitors may also contribute to its increased exposure. Rising Trend in Cybercrime Across the Country The report confirms a national rise in financial cybercrime. Between 2022 and 2024, most states recorded double-digit growth in either victim count or total losses. In some cases, both increased. The overall impact has expanded rapidly, with total U.S. financial losses from online scams more than doubling in just two years. Many scams follow familiar formats. Phishing remains the most widespread. Tech support scams, SIM swapping, and investment fraud continue to cause substantial damage. Some states report high financial losses even with fewer victims, which points to the growing value of individual attacks. Not All Safe States Have Strong Cybercrime Laws Legislation plays a role, but its effect varies. Several top-ranked states, including Mississippi and South Dakota, have minimal cybercrime laws. Still, they recorded relatively low exposure. On the other hand, some states with more active legislative efforts still reported high losses. Illinois, for example, had more cybersecurity rules than average but did not rank among the safer states. This gap between laws and outcomes suggests that other factors, such as demographic patterns, scammer focus, or digital awareness, may influence risk more than legislation alone. Five Key Metrics Used for State Rankings The ranking system used five measures. Victim count and total financial losses each made up 30 percent of the overall score. The percentage change in those two figures from 2022 to 2024 accounted for another 30 percent. The number of state-level cybercrime laws contributed the final 10 percent. While legislation was included, it carried less weight because many laws do not directly address financial scams. The intent was to reflect actual exposure and risk, not just legal preparedness. Most Common Forms of Financial Cybercrime The report categorized a wide range of scams. These included phishing, data breaches, SIM swap fraud, credit card theft, business email compromise, and ransomware. Confidence scams, like romance fraud and fake job offers, were also common. In many cases, high-value scams concentrated in fewer but more severe incidents caused larger losses. States with higher tourist traffic or dense urban centers appeared to attract more of these schemes. Fraud involving fake support services, lottery scams, and overpayment traps were especially active in Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. Arizona and Oregon Among the Fastest-Rising Risk States Arizona showed a high number of victims and significant financial losses in 2024. Its rate of legislative action remained low, despite its exposure. Oregon saw the sharpest increase in losses of any state, with a jump of over 400 percent in two years. These changes pushed both states further down the safety rankings. Oregon, in particular, experienced a rise in investment-related scams and phishing attacks. This was coupled with a lack of robust legal protections, suggesting a mismatch between the scale of the problem and available countermeasures. Report Reflects Ongoing Digital Threats Although state-level variation is significant, the broader trend is clear. Financial cybercrime continues to spread across the country. While some areas show signs of control or resilience, others remain vulnerable. The study points to a need for coordinated efforts that combine legal tools, public awareness, and individual digital safety habits. No state is fully immune. Even in places with low current exposure, changing attack patterns could raise future risk. For now, a mix of laws, education, and technology use appears to make the most difference. H/T: Cloudwards . Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Read next: Sam Altman Sees Short Video Apps, Not AI, as Bigger Threat to Kids' Minds
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has formally recognized the ship-breaking industry as an official sector during a recent meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The ECC directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to work closely with the Power Division to assess the potential impact of shifting the ship-breaking industry from commercial […] The post ECC Formally Recognizes Ship-Breaking as Industry appeared first on TechJuice .
Lava has expanded its Blaze series lineup with a new budget 5G smartphone, the Lava Blaze Dragon. The Blaze Dragon is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, designed for budget users and youth audiences. It includes 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring smooth performance and faster app loading. […] The post Lava Blaze Dragon Debuts with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC appeared first on TechJuice .
MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 was expected to break the 4 GHz barrier for the first time in the company’s history. However, its main rival, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, is rumored to go even further. The 8 Elite 2 may reach a CPU clock speed of 4.6 GHz in the standard version. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series […] The post Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Surpasses Dimensity 9500 in CPU Clock Speed appeared first on TechJuice .
Honor has quietly introduced its new budget tablet, the Pad X7, not to be confused with the older Tablet X7 from 2021. It features an 8.7-inch LCD with a 1340×800 resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, and 625 nits peak brightness. Under the hood, the Pad X7 is powered by the Snapdragon 680 chipset. It comes with […] The post Honor Pad X7 Launched with 8.7-Inch Display appeared first on TechJuice .
Ethereum is quickly reclaiming the crypto spotlight and one billionaire crypto analyst and investor believes it might soon eclipse Bitcoin’s performance. Galaxy Digital CEO and crypto mogul Mike Novogratz says institutional money and investor sentiment are pushing Ethereum (ETH) into a strong position to outperform Bitcoin (BTC) over the next three to six months. Speaking […] The post Will Ethereum Override Bitcoin In 2025? THIS Crypto Analyst Thinks So! appeared first on TechJuice .
Straight out of a sci-fi movie, now all you need to control your AR glasses is a finger flick. Meta has officially unveiled its most futuristic input device yet: a sleek EMG (electromyography) wristband. This device is capable of decoding your finger gestures using muscle activity alone. Details of it are in a peer-reviewed Nature […] The post Meta Now Lets You Control AR Glasses With Simple Hand Gestures appeared first on TechJuice .
Retailers are making bold bets on AI shopping assistants, with major names like Walmart, Amazon, Google, and Shopify integrating agentic AI into storefronts and support workflows. Walmart recently overhauled its AI agent ecosystem into streamlined “super agents” such as Sparky for customer engagement and Marty for suppliers, aiming to simplify interactions and boost efficiency. Startups […] The post Are We Ready for AI Shopping Assistants Yet? Study Sheds Light appeared first on TechJuice .
If we say fans of Google’s wearables got a big surprise this week, it will be a bit of exaggeration. Leaked renders and hands-on commentary reveal that the upcoming Pixel Watch 4 may charge wirelessly. The whole shenanigan will happen via a charging stand rather than traditional rear-mounted pins. Truth be told, fans already had […] The post Pixel Watch 4 Will Finally Have A Wireless Charging Stand appeared first on TechJuice .
Atlas Honda Limited (PSX: ATLH) has reported a record profit after tax (PAT) of Rs4.8 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 — the highest in the company’s history. According to Topline Securities, the figure represents a 4 percent increase quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and a substantial 38 percent year-over-year (YoY) jump, primarily driven by rising […] The post Atlas Honda Bikes Achieves Record Profit on Rising Sales appeared first on TechJuice .
Realme launched the GT 7 Pro in China last November. The GT 7 followed in April. However, this strategy may change soon. A new rumor from China suggests that both the GT 8 and GT 8 Pro will debut together in October. The GT 8 Pro might be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 […] The post Realme GT 8 and GT 8 Pro Set for Joint Launch appeared first on TechJuice .
Apple has released public betas for its upcoming software updates. These include iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and HomePod Software 26. To try them, enroll your supported devices at Apple’s Beta Software Program page. After enrolling, your device will prompt for beta updates. All updates introduce a fresh design […] The post Apple Releases iOS 26 Public Beta Alongside iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS 26 appeared first on TechJuice .
Leading news organizations are raising red flags about a sharp decline in online traffic as Google’s AI Overviews increasingly replace traditional search result listings. These AI-generated summaries give users direct answers, reducing the need to click on actual news site links. It is an issue that media executives say could jeopardize the sustainability of digital […] The post AI Summaries on Google causing major drop in News Website Traffic, Study Finds appeared first on TechJuice .
The long-awaited altcoins season may be dying before it even began. While crypto analysts loudly predicted a mid-year surge in alternative tokens, the reality on the ground is brutally different. Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, XRP, even Pi Coin, have all stalled or stumbled after brief upticks in the last few days. ETH futures alone faced nearly […] The post Are Altcoins Getting Punched Out of Relevance Despite Bullish Predictions? appeared first on TechJuice .
Nvidia has strongly criticized the use of unauthorized AI chips in China, stating that assembling data centers using these smuggled products is a “losing proposition.” This statement follows a Financial Times report claiming that at least $1 billion worth of Nvidia’s AI chips were illegally brought into China. A spokesperson for Nvidia told CNBC, “Trying […] The post Nvidia Warns Against Use of Smuggled AI Chips in China appeared first on TechJuice .
Guess ran AI-generated model ads in Vogue's August issue, sparking debate over fashion’s evolving use of technology.
Google has rolled out a new experiment called Web Guide, an AI-powered feature designed to improve how search results are displayed. Announced on Thursday, this latest addition to Search Labs aims to reshape how users interact with complex or open-ended search queries. What Is Web Guide? Web Guide uses AI to intelligently organize search results […] The post Google Tests AI-Powered Web Guide for Smarter Search appeared first on TechJuice .
Netflix has officially released its creepy horror adaptation based on the iconic narrative-driven video game, Until Dawn. The movie, which began its international theatrical run back in April and earned over $53 million globally, made its U.S. streaming debut on July 24, 2025, in line with Sony’s ongoing post-theatrical release partnership with Netflix. Directed by […] The post A Creepy PlayStation Game Just Became Netflix’s New Nightmare appeared first on TechJuice .
Starlink goes dark in a dramatic fashion, making headlines everyone. Yes, you read that right. This blackout was a gut punch to users who believed in the promise of seamless, decentralized internet access from the stars. SpaceX’s satellite internet service experienced a rare but widespread global blackout, its first major one of 2025. The outage […] The post Starlink Goes Dark Worldwide in First Global Outage of 2025 appeared first on TechJuice .
As artificial intelligence becomes more humanlike in conversation and presence, it’s reshaping how people form emotional connections, including romantic ones. What was once science fiction is quickly becoming a real choice for millions who are now turning to AI companions for companionship, intimacy, and even love. A Match.com study reveals that over 20% of singles […] The post AI Companions: Redefining Love or Replacing It? appeared first on TechJuice .
Google has officially launched a new AI-driven virtual try-on tool that allows users to see how clothes might look on their own bodies. This marks a significant upgrade from previous features that only displayed apparel on models of various body types. With the latest update, shoppers in the United States can now upload a full-length […] The post Google launches virtual Try-On with personalized alerts appeared first on TechJuice .
Researchers have developed a system that recognizes individuals by how their bodies distort Wi-Fi signals. It doesn’t use cameras. It doesn’t require visual data or physical contact. It listens to how wireless waves behave when someone walks by. The idea is simple. Wireless signals bounce, bend, and shift when passing through the human body. These changes aren’t random. They follow patterns shaped by body size, movement, and internal structure. Even small differences, like how someone walks, affect the signal. Each time a person moves through a signal path, they leave behind a unique trail of distortions. These trails can be measured. And, with the right system, they can be matched. How the System Reads the Signal The system is called WhoFi . It doesn’t rely on facial features or sound. Instead, it records Channel State Information, or CSI. This is a detailed snapshot of how a Wi-Fi signal changes across time, space, and frequency. First, the raw signal is cleaned. Outliers are removed. Phase shifts caused by hardware delays are corrected. Once the data is stable, it's pushed into a neural network. That model has two main parts. One compresses the cleaned signal into a shorter format. The other turns it into a signature. This signature doesn’t describe what someone looks like. It reflects how they affect the air around them. It’s a set of numbers. That’s all. But those numbers can tell one person apart from another, even across different environments. Test Setup and Subjects To test the system, researchers collected data from 14 people. Each person walked through a Wi-Fi zone multiple times. They changed clothes. Sometimes they wore coats. Other times, backpacks. Even with those changes, the system still picked them out. The equipment used wasn’t special. It came from off-the-shelf TP-Link routers. One router sent the signal. Another, with three antennas, received it. For every recording, over two thousand packets of data were collected. That added up to a lot of signal snapshots, plenty for analysis. Only the amplitude values were used in training. No original waveform or raw phase matrix was needed. The system worked with what was publicly available. Comparing Models for Pattern Recognition Three types of learning models were tested. One used LSTM. Another used Bi-LSTM. The third used a Transformer. These models were trained to recognize signal patterns and link them back to individuals. The Transformer model outperformed the others. It handled longer sequences better. It picked up on subtle variations that the others missed. Its top-ranked accuracy reached 95.5 percent. The LSTM models worked too, just not as well. They struggled with long input sequences and needed more careful tuning. They showed decent performance but couldn’t match the precision of the Transformer. Sequence Length Matters Longer sequences gave the model more to work with. For the Transformer, that meant better accuracy. It was able to model long-range dependencies in signal data. This helped it detect repeating structures and patterns tied to a person’s walk. LSTM models didn’t benefit as much. In some cases, longer inputs even made them worse. That’s likely due to vanishing gradients and memory limits. Still, their performance stayed within usable range. The lesson was clear. When it comes to signal-based identity tracking, more data helps, but only if the model can handle it. Data Augmentation Improves Flexibility To build flexibility into the system, researchers trained it with slightly altered input data. They added noise. They shifted time steps forward or backward. They adjusted signal strength slightly. These changes made the model less sensitive to noise and better at generalizing. LSTM-based models saw the biggest improvement. The Transformer was already strong, but the added variation made it more resilient to real-world inconsistencies. Interestingly, too much filtering hurt performance. Removing all irregularities sometimes erased useful information. Not all noise is bad. Some of it carries subtle identity cues. No Names, Just Patterns The system doesn’t store names or faces. It doesn’t label people. It only remembers signal patterns and compares them later. If two sessions match, it assumes it’s the same person. This has clear technical benefits. It avoids collecting direct personal data. But it also introduces concerns. The system can track individuals across time and location, even if it doesn’t know who they are. That tracking can happen without consent. And it can work in places where cameras fail, through walls, in darkness, or in crowded spaces. That makes it useful, but also sensitive. Research Only, For Now The WhoFi system is not being deployed. It’s not for sale. The project was developed for research and evaluation. It used public datasets and consumer-grade hardware to make replication easy. But the potential is obvious. A system that can identify people using Wi-Fi alone, without light, without line of sight, and without physical contact, could find a place in future surveillance tools. For now, it's a study. But the building blocks are in place. Read next: Google Search Adds Custom Price Alerts and Virtual Clothing Try-On
A major new global study has found strong evidence that early smartphone ownership during childhood is linked with significant mental health problems later in life. The findings point to a consistent pattern across regions, languages, and age groups, with younger users facing sharper declines in mental wellbeing as they reach adulthood. Early Smartphone Ownership Shows Clear Mental Health Decline The research draws from the Global Mind Project, which includes data from nearly two million people across 163 countries. When the team focused on over 100,000 participants aged 18 to 24, a clear trend emerged: the earlier someone received a smartphone, the worse their mental health score as a young adult. Those who had a phone at age five scored far lower on emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing compared to peers who received theirs at age 13 or later. This mental health shift wasn’t isolated to one place. The same effect was found in every region, but was especially intense in English-speaking countries. Girls appeared to suffer more than boys, reporting much higher rates of suicidal thoughts, emotional detachment, and reduced self-worth. Social Media Appears to Be the Biggest Trigger What matters most isn't simply owning a smartphone, it’s what those phones connect children to. Early access to social media plays a major role in weakening emotional resilience. The study shows that around 40 percent of the negative impact from early smartphone use can be traced back to social media access alone. The platforms use machine learning systems that adaptively feed content to users to keep them engaged. This constant cycle of comparison, pressure, and exposure to extreme or inappropriate material can shape a child’s thinking in damaging ways. The report highlights that these digital spaces often displace vital real-world development, including in-person relationships and healthy sleep routines. Cyberbullying and Family Disconnection Follow Early Exposure Among the most significant secondary factors were disrupted sleep, cyberbullying, and poor family relationships. In English-speaking countries especially, those who accessed social media early were much more likely to experience toxic online interactions and deteriorating family bonds. In some regions, early access also correlated with higher exposure to sexual abuse, especially among girls. The study found that these negative experiences were often not directly linked to total screen time, but instead to the simple fact of having early, unsupervised access to algorithm-driven platforms. That alone increased the odds of entering harmful digital environments before a child had the tools or maturity to cope with them. The Mental Health Impact Is Measurable and Widespread Researchers used the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a broad tool that evaluates 47 emotional, cognitive, and social functions. For those who got smartphones at age 13, the average score was 30. For those who received their first phone by age five, the average dropped to just 1. Almost half of females who had a smartphone by age six reported severe suicidal thoughts, compared to fewer than a third among those who got a phone at 13. Across the board, earlier access correlated with higher rates of aggression, hallucinations, emotional instability, and reduced self-image. These patterns suggest a deep shift in mental functioning, not just a spike in stress or sadness. Many of those affected reported a persistent sense of disconnection from reality and found it hard to regulate their emotions or maintain confidence. The Impact Is Growing Faster Than Most Adults Realize As more children are handed smartphones even before middle school, the effects may be intensifying. Most social platforms officially restrict access for children under 13, but the study shows that enforcement is weak, and many kids gain access years earlier. In English-speaking countries, the average age of first smartphone use is now around 11. The researchers stress that these findings are not isolated to a few outliers. Across the global dataset, each year earlier a child receives a smartphone is linked with a steady drop in mental wellbeing scores. This trajectory, they warn, could mean a generation increasingly at risk of chronic emotional distress, lower resilience, and disrupted development. Experts Recommend a Public Health Approach, Not Parental Burden The study’s authors argue that expecting parents to individually police smartphone access is unrealistic. Children whose access is restricted may feel excluded if their peers are already online. Worse, even children with limited access at home may still be exposed to the effects of aggressive behavior from peers shaped by early digital environments. To deal with this, the team recommends public policies similar to those that govern alcohol and tobacco. This includes restrictions on under-13 smartphone ownership, mandatory digital literacy education, stronger enforcement against age violations by tech firms, and the introduction of basic phones that lack internet apps. These measures are aimed not at blocking progress, but at protecting critical stages of mental development. Without such intervention, the report warns, the decline in mind health could carry long-term consequences for learning, social participation, and even economic productivity. Policy Proposals Focus on Four Key Areas The researchers outlined four actions that governments could adopt immediately: Introduce mandatory mental health and digital literacy education in schools, so children understand the risks of social media before they use it. Hold technology companies accountable for underage users, including enforcing age verification and introducing penalties for non-compliance. Restrict all social media access under age 13, across devices and platforms, through improved enforcement and technical controls. Create age-appropriate phones for younger children, offering basic functions like calling and texting but no access to algorithmic or user-generated content. Action Urged Before Long-Term Damage Becomes Permanent With current trends moving quickly, the authors emphasize that delaying action may close the window for meaningful prevention. If the current age of first phone ownership keeps falling, projections show that up to 20 percent of the next generation could face regular suicidal thoughts, and as much as a third may struggle with core emotional and cognitive functions in adulthood. The researchers aren’t calling for bans, but for smarter timing. They suggest the world treat smartphones and social media as tools that can be harmful when introduced before key developmental milestones. If society can accept age limits for driving, drinking, and smoking, then the same logic should apply to digital access that directly affects a child’s brain. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: Teens Increasingly Use AI to Make Personal Decisions, Prompting Industry Attention
