Trump's use of AI images pushes new boundaries, further eroding public trust, experts say

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Trump administration has not shied away from sharing AI-generated imagery online, embracing cartoonlike visuals and memes and promoting them on official White House channels. But an edited — and realistic — image of a civil rights attorney in tears after being arrested is raising new alarms about how the government is blurring the line between what is real and what is fake, especially with leaders mocking criticism of the edited image. Misinformation experts are concerned the spread of AI-generated or edited images could erode public perception of the truth and sow distrust.

TikTok settles as social media giants face landmark trial over youth addiction claims

LOS ANGELES (AP) — TikTok has agreed to settle in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit just before the trial kicked off, the plaintiff’s attorneys confirmed. The social video platform was one of three companies facing claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children, along with Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube. Snapchat’s parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum. Additional details of the settlement with TikTok were not disclosed. A lawyer for the plaintiff said in a statement Tuesday that TikTok remains a defendant in the other personal injury cases, and that the trial will proceed as scheduled against Meta and YouTube.

ASML made record $11.5 billion profit in 2025 thanks to AI-driven demand, plans to cut 1,700 jobs

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — ASML reports a record net profit of 9.6 billion euros in 2025, driven by AI demand. The Dutch semiconductor machine maker announces plans to cut about 1,700 jobs, or 4% of its workforce. The company cites the need to streamline and focus on engineering and innovation. Despite Dutch government restrictions on exports, ASML sees growth. These measures are part of a U.S. policy to limit China's access to chip-making materials. ASML expects 2026 to be another growth year, fueled by sales of its extreme ultraviolet lithography systems.

TikTok faces app deletions, censorship claims and glitches in days after its ownership change

Censorship claims, technical problems and a report of a surge in app deletions are just some of the challenges TikTok is facing this week as it adjusts to a new ownership structure in the U.S. The company said this week it was experiencing a “major infrastructure issue triggered by a power outage” at one of its U.S. data center partner sites. The outage led to bugs such as creators temporarily seeing zero views on their videos even if people had looked at them, as well as slow load times and timeout requests when posting videos.

Not ready for robots in homes? The maker of a friendly new humanoid thinks it might change your mind

NEW YORK (AP) — A new humanoid robot named Sprout, developed by Fauna Robotics, is making its debut. Unlike sleek and powerful-looking machines from companies like Tesla, Sprout is designed to be approachable and friendly. Standing at 3.5 feet tall, it features a soft, foam exterior and expressive features. Fauna Robotics aims to create a new industry of “approachable” robots for homes, schools and social spaces. Sprout is more of a software developer platform, priced at $50,000, targeting university labs and tech entrepreneurs. Early customers include Disney and Boston Dynamics. The robot's design draws inspiration from beloved science fiction characters like WALL-E, Baymax and R2-D2.

Video shows flames flying from NASA plane that touched down without landing gear

A NASA research plane has landed without its landing gear in Texas, sending plumes of flame behind it. The incident occurred Tuesday, with the plane's belly sliding across the runway. NASA said all crew members were safe after the landed recorded on video. It attributed the incident to a mechanical issue and said the cause will be investigated. The aircraft is the NASA WB-57, a research plane with a distinct thin fuselage that was designed in the 1970s. The plane can fly at high altitudes, beyond 63,000 feet, for several hours.

Neil Young's gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog

NEW YORK (AP) — Neil Young is offering free access to his entire music catalog to residents of Greenland. He announced this on his blog on Tuesday in a bid to ease stress amid tensions involving the U.S. and NATO. Young's offer lasts a year with possible renewal and requires a Greenland-based cellphone. This gesture contrasts with his recent decision to remove his music from Amazon Music. Young criticized its founder Jeff Bezos for supporting U.S. President Donald Trump. Young has a history of clashing with streaming platforms including Spotify over issues like misinformation and audio quality. His hits include “Rockin' in the Free World” and “Heart of Gold.”

Pinterest will lay off 15% of its workforce as the platform pivots resources to AI

NEW YORK (AP) — Pinterest plans to lay off under 15% of its workforce, as part of broader restructuring that arrives as the image-sharing platform pivots more of its money to artificial intelligence. In a Tuesday filing, the company says these cuts support "transformation initiatives," which include reallocating resources to AI roles and products. Pinterest also says it will reduce office space. The restructuring is expected to finish by the end of September, with pretax charges of $35 million to $45 million. Pinterest's job cuts will impact hundreds of workers. Shares of Pinterest fell more than 9% as of midday trading Tuesday.

French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

PARIS (AP) — French lawmakers have approved a bill banning social media for children under 15. The measure, which also bans mobile phones in high schools, passed with a 130-21 vote on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron has requested fast-tracking the legislation, which will be discussed by the Senate soon. Macron supports the ban, citing scientific recommendations and public demand. Critics argue it infringes on civil liberties. The bill aligns with the EU’s Digital Services Act, aiming to protect minors online. It follows similar actions in Australia and potential measures in the UK, reflecting growing concern over children’s online safety.

EU steps in to make sure Google gives rivals access to AI services and data

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is stepping in to ensure Google gives rival AI companies and search engines access to data and Gemini AI services. On Tuesday, the EU's executive arm announced it was opening "specification proceedings" to ensure Google complies with the Digital Markets Act. This act requires Big Tech companies to provide smaller players equal access to hardware and software features. The EU will specify how Google should give third-party AI companies access to features available through its services. The proceedings will wrap up in six months with draft measures for Google. Google's Clare Kelly expressed concerns about the procedure's motivations.