How AI is now helping hackers fool your browser’s security tools

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

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Cybercriminals continually seek new ways to expose you to phishing and scam sites designed to steal your credentials or install malware that can compromise your personal data and system. Although browsers and search engines like Chrome and Google Search actively scan and take action against spam and malicious sites, they rely on automated tools to manage the huge volume of threats.Recently, hackers have developed AI-powered cloaking software that enables them to bypass these scanners by showing benign pages to security systems while revealing harmful content only to real users. This advanced cloaking technique significantly increases the effectiveness and durability of phishing and malware sites, making it harder for traditional detection methods to protect you.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER HOW AI CHATBOTS ARE HELPING HACKERS TARGET YOUR BANKING ACCOUNTS A phone with Google Chrome open (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)AI-powered web cloaking is here to trick youAs discovered by researchers at Slashnext, cybercriminals are adopting a new tactic that makes scam websites nearly invisible to the security systems meant to stop them. Known as web cloaking, the technique uses artificial intelligence to hide phishing pages, fake storefronts, and malware delivery sites from automated scanners while showing them only to human victims.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Platforms like Hoax Tech and JS Click Cloaker are emerging as key players in this trend. While both market themselves as traffic filtering tools for digital marketers, they are also being used to protect criminal infrastructure. These services use advanced fingerprinting, machine learning, and real-time decision-making to control what each visitor sees. A laptop with Google Chrome open (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How cloaking tools outsmart detection systemsHoax Tech analyzes hundreds of data points to build a digital fingerprint of every visitor, from their browser configuration and plugins to their geographic location and IP history. The company’s AI engine, called Matchex, compares this data to a massive database of known crawlers and security scanners. If the system detects a suspicious visitor, it redirects them to a clean, harmless site. If it identifies the visitor as legitimate, it displays the actual scam content.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREJS Click Cloaker takes a similar approach but claims to evaluate over 900 parameters per visit. The system scans for behavioral anomalies and uses historical click data to decide whether to allow access to the real page. It also includes features like traffic splitting and A/B testing, giving its users a suite of tools more commonly seen in professional marketing software.At the core of both platforms is the “white page” and “black page” system. The system shows security scanners the white page, which looks benign and passes review. It serves human victims the black page, which contains the scam or malicious payload. This selective targeting allows phishing campaigns and fraudulent sites to stay live longer and avoid detection. A laptop with Google Chrome open (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)6 ways you can stay safe from cloaked scam sitesCybercriminals are increasingly adopting advanced cloaking tools to evade detection, which is making it harder for people to spot malicious websites. Still, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:1. Stick to trusted sources: Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders or sketchy websites, even if they appear in ads or social media posts. Type URLs directly when possible.2. Use strong antivirus software: A strong antivirus software can help analyze suspicious links and sites before you open them. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech3. Use security-focused browsers: Built-in protections in browsers like Firefox and Brave can help block suspicious scripts and trackers.4. Keep your software updated: Regular updates to your browser, operating system, and antivirus software ensure you have the latest security patches.5. Be cautious with login pages: If a site asks for your credentials unexpectedly, verify the URL and domain name carefully. Cloaked phishing pages can look nearly identical to the real thing.6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if your credentials are stolen, 2FA can act as a final line of defense against account takeover by requiring a pin which is generated through an authenticator app or is sent to your phone or email.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPKurt’s key takeawayAI-powered cloaking is making it increasingly difficult to track and take down malicious sites. The result is a fast-growing market for what is essentially cloaking-as-a-service. These tools are inexpensive, easy to use, and designed to work at scale. For cybercriminals, cloaking is no longer a fringe tactic but a core part of their toolkit. While you may still be unaware of these tools, they are already reshaping how digital fraud operates behind the scenes.Do you think browsers and search engines are doing enough to protect you from advanced scams like these? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTERCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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The Download: a 30-year old baby, and OpenAI’s push into colleges

AI & Singularity / memoment editorial

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Exclusive: A record-breaking baby has been born from an embryo that’s over 30 years old A baby boy has just won the new record for the “oldest baby.” Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, who arrived on July 26, developed from an embryo that had been in storage for 30 and a half years.Lindsey and her husband, Tim Pierce, who live in London, Ohio, “adopted” the embryo from Linda Archerd, who had it created in 1994. The couple, aged 35 and 34, respectively, had been trying for a baby for seven years. Read more about their remarkable story. —Jessica Hamzelou
OpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT for college students
OpenAI is launching Study Mode, a version of ChatGPT for college students that it promises will act less like a lookup tool and more like a friendly, always-available tutor. The chatbot begins by asking what the student wants to know and then attempts to build an exchange, where the pair work methodically toward the answer together. OpenAI says the tool was built after consulting with pedagogy experts from over 40 institutions. But there’s an ambitious vision behind Study Mode: It’s part of a wider push by OpenAI to get AI more deeply embedded into classrooms when the new academic year starts in September. Read the full story.—James O’Donnell MIT Technology Review Narrated: Are we ready to hand AI agents the keys? In recent months, a new class of agents has arrived on the scene: ones built using large language models. Any action that can be captured by text—from playing a video game using written commands to running a social media account—is potentially within the purview of this type of system. LLM agents don’t have much of a track record yet, but to hear CEOs tell it, they will transform the economy—and soon. Despite that, like chatbot LLMs, agents can be chaotic and unpredictable.This is our latest story to be turned into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which we publish each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as it’s released.

The must-reads I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 The first tsunami waves have reached the US West CoastBut early damage from the powerful Russian earthquake has been thankfully limited. (WP $)+ It’ll take some time before we can be confident there’s no danger, though. (WSJ $)+ These underwater cables can improve tsunami detection. (MIT Technology Review) 2 Google has signed the EU code of practiceDespite criticisms from the US that it stands to stifle growth. (FT $)+ Europe and America are taking very different paths. (The Register) 3 NASA is launching a new Earth-observing satellite todayIt’ll keep a watch over precursors to earthquakes, landslides and volcanoes. (BBC)+ Its data will be turned into maps to help scientists better respond. (NYT $) 4 US antibiotics research is likely to suffer without federal fundingIt plays a critical role in antibiotic discovery. (Undark)+ How bacteria-fighting viruses could go mainstream. (MIT Technology Review) 5 Russia is building its own new webAnd at its heart is VK Co, a social network controlled by its government. (Bloomberg $)+ How Russia killed its tech industry. (MIT Technology Review) 6 How Anthropic became so good at codingEveryone else in Silicon Valley is dying to know. (Insider $)+ The second wave of AI coding is here. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Demand for Vietnam’s chips is boomingIt’s reaping the benefits of the world looking for alternatives to China’s products. (Rest of World)+ Things aren’t looking great for AI chipmaker Groq. (The Information $) 8 Yelp has started making its own AI restaurant videosAnd users can’t opt out of having their photos used in them. (The Verge)
9 Are memes the new comics?If comics didn’t have a plot, that is. (Ars Technica)+ Generative AI is reshaping South Korea’s webcomics industry. (MIT Technology Review) 10 Starbucks is abandoning launching stores that only accept mobile orders 📱☕The vibes are off, apparently. (WSJ $) Quote of the day “Any lawyer unaware that using generative AI platforms to do legal research is playing with fire is living in a cloud.” —Judge Michael Slade criticizes a lawyer who used AI-generated citations in a legal case, PC Gamer reports.
One more thing The return of pneumatic tubesPneumatic tubes were once touted as something that would revolutionize the world. In science fiction, they were envisioned as a fundamental part of the future—even in dystopias like George Orwell’s 1984, where they help to deliver orders for the main character, Winston Smith, in his job rewriting history to fit the ruling party’s changing narrative.In real life, the tubes were expected to transform several industries in the late 19th century through the mid-20th. For a while, the United States took up the systems with gusto.But by the mid to late 20th century, use of the technology had largely fallen by the wayside, and pneumatic tube technology became virtually obsolete. Except in hospitals. Read the full story. —Vanessa Armstrong
We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.) + This sweet baby pudu fawn is just too cute for words.+ There’s some great picks in this list of the 100 best podcasts (and some shocking omissions).+ The infamous gigantic Home Depot skeleton is getting a voice!+ If you’re never not thinking about the Roman empire, here’s what happened after it all came crashing down.

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OpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT for college students

AI & Singularity / memoment editorial

OpenAI is launching Study Mode, a version of ChatGPT for college students that it promises will act less like a lookup tool and more like a friendly, always-available tutor. It’s part of a wider push by the company to get AI more embedded into classrooms when the new academic year starts in September. A demonstration for reporters from OpenAI showed what happens when a student asks Study Mode about an academic subject like game theory. The chatbot begins by asking what the student wants to know and then attempts to build an exchange, where the pair work methodically toward the answer together. OpenAI says the tool was built after consulting with pedagogy experts from over 40 institutions. A handful of college students who were part of OpenAI’s testing cohort—hailing from Princeton, Wharton, and the University of Minnesota—shared positive reviews of Study Mode, saying it did a good job of checking their understanding and adapting to their pace. The learning approaches that OpenAI has programmed into Study Mode, which are based partially on Socratic methods, appear sound, says Christopher Harris, an educator in New York who has created a curriculum aimed at AI literacy. They might grant educators more confidence about allowing, or even encouraging, their students to use AI. “Professors will see this as working with them in support of learning as opposed to just being a way for students to cheat on assignments,” he says.
But there’s a more ambitious vision behind Study Mode. As demonstrated in OpenAI’s recent partnership with leading teachers’ unions, the company is currently trying to rebrand chatbots as tools for personalized learning rather than cheating. Part of this promise is that AI will act like the expensive human tutors that currently only the most well-off students’ families can typically afford. “We can begin to close the gap between those with access to learning resources and high-quality education and those who have been historically left behind,” says OpenAI’s head of education. Leah Belsky.
But painting Study Mode as an education equalizer obfuscates one glaring problem. Underneath the hood, it is not a tool trained exclusively on academic textbooks and other approved materials—it’s more like the same old ChatGPT, tuned with a new conversation filter that simply governs how it responds to students, encouraging fewer answers and more explanations. This AI tutor, therefore, more resembles what you’d get if you hired a human tutor who has read every required textbook, but also every flawed explanation of the subject ever posted to Reddit, Tumblr, and the farthest reaches of the web. And because of the way AI works, you can’t expect it to distinguish right information from wrong. Professors encouraging their students to use it run the risk of it teaching them to approach problems in the wrong way—or worse, being taught material that is fabricated or entirely false. Given this limitation, I asked OpenAI if Study Mode is limited to particular subjects. The company said no—students will be able to use it to discuss anything they’d normally talk to ChatGPT about. It’s true that access to human tutors—which for certain subjects can cost upward of $200 an hour—is typically for the elite few. The notion that AI models can spread the benefits of tutoring to the masses holds an allure. Indeed, it is backed up by at least some early research that shows AI models can adapt to individual learning styles and backgrounds. But this improvement comes with a hidden cost. Tools like Study Mode, at least for now, take a shortcut by using large language models’ humanlike conversational style without fixing their inherent flaws. OpenAI also acknowledges that this tool won’t prevent a student who’s frustrated and wants an answer from simply going back to normal ChatGPT. “If someone wants to subvert learning, and sort of get answers and take the easier route, that is possible,” Belsky says. However, one thing going for Study Mode, the students say, is that it’s simply more fun to study with a chatbot that’s always encouraging you along than to stare at a textbook on Bayesian theorem for the hundredth time. “It’s like the reward signal of like, oh, wait, I can learn this small thing,” says Maggie Wang, a student from Princeton who tested it. The tool is free for now, but Praja Tickoo, a student from Wharton, says it wouldn’t have to be for him to use it. “I think it’s absolutely something I would be willing to pay for,” he says.

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AI scam alerts now on Venmo and PayPal: What you need to know

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

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PayPal and Venmo just rolled out something big: AI-powered scam alerts for Friends and Family payments. If you’ve ever worried about accidentally sending money to a scammer, this new feature is designed for you.The alert system is smarter than the old generic pop-ups. Instead of repeating “watch out for scams” every time you send money, these new alerts adapt in real time to the actual risk level of your transaction. Let’s break down how it works and what you can do to stay ahead of scammers.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER. AI-powered scam alerts for Friends and Family payments. (PayPal)How do AI-powered scam alerts work?The alerts use machine learning models that constantly update and improve. These AI tools analyze billions of data points to detect new scam patterns, even ones they haven’t seen before. If a payment seems suspicious, the system will interrupt the transaction with a tailored alert. And the higher the risk, the stronger the warning.Unlike traditional alerts, these messages escalate in urgency depending on the likelihood of fraud. In high-risk cases, PayPal may even block the payment automatically.Why PayPal and Venmo built this AI featureScammers constantly shift tactics, especially on social media. Fraudsters will often pressure people to send Friends and Family payments, which aren’t eligible for refunds. That’s why PayPal designed this system to act before the money leaves your account. According to the company, putting real-time warnings in front of users empowers them to make informed decisions when it matters most. PayPal app on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Dynamic alerts vs. static warningsTraditional alerts use a one-size-fits-all approach. PayPal’s new system is contextual and dynamic. It adjusts the message based on:The type of transactionThe recipient’s behaviorCurrent scam trendsThat’s not just smart tech, it’s a better experience for users.Global rollout and future plans for the AI scam alertsThese AI scam alerts are now live in all global PayPal markets and across the United States on Venmo. And because the models are self-learning, they’ll keep improving as scam techniques evolve. PayPal app on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Tips to stay safe beyond the AI-powered scam alertsPayPal’s alert system is powerful, but your behavior matters too. Here are some simple ways to keep your data safe:1) Create strong, unique passwordsUse a different password for every account. Avoid personal details and common phrases. Combine three or more random words for strength. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords.2) Review social media privacy settingsLimit public access to your phone number and email. Avoid posting travel pics in real time. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.3) Monitor your credit and financial accountsCheck your credit reports regularly. Set up alerts for changes or unusual activity. Act fast if anything looks suspicious.4) Keep devices and apps updatedInstall security updates as soon as they’re available. Only use trusted app stores and verified downloads. Don’t forget to secure your kids’ devices too. 5) Be cautious on public Wi-FiAvoid accessing financial accounts on public networks: Never share sensitive info over unsecured Wi-Fi. Use a VPN or mobile data connection when possible.For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/VPN. 6) Watch for phishing and fake messages and install strong antivirus softwareDon’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Avoid urgent messages pressuring immediate action. If in doubt, don’t reply. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech. 7) Use secure payment methodsUse PayPal or other protected systems for online transactions. Avoid sending Friends and Family payments to strangers. Understand when your payment is and isn’t refundable.Kurt’s key takeawaysOnline scams aren’t going away, but tools like AI-powered alerts from PayPal and Venmo are making it much harder for scammers to win. These intelligent alerts combine speed, adaptability, and user-focused design to warn you before money leaves your account. Pair that with smart personal habits, and you’re on the path to safer online spending.Would you trust AI to decide when your money is at risk, or would you rather decide for yourself? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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The Download: how to store energy underground, and what you may not know about Trump’s AI Action Plan

AI & Singularity / memoment editorial

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. This startup wants to use the Earth as a massive battery Texas-based startup Quidnet Energy just completed a test showing it can store energy for up to six months by pumping water underground.Using water to store electricity is hardly a new concept—pumped hydropower storage has been around for over a century. But the company hopes its twist on the technology could help bring cheap, long-duration energy storage to new places. Read the full story. —Casey Crownhart
What you may have missed about Trump’s AI Action Plan
The executive orders and announcements coming from the White House since Donald Trump returned to office have painted an ambitious vision for America’s AI future, but the details have been sparse. The White House’s AI Action Plan, released last week, is meant to fix that. Trump wants to boost the buildout of data centers by slashing environmental rules; withhold funding from states that pass “burdensome AI regulations”; and contract only with AI companies whose models are “free from top-down ideological bias.” But if you dig deeper, certain parts of the plan that didn’t pop up in any headlines reveal more about where the administration’s AI plans are headed. Here are three of the most important issues to watch. —James O’Donnell This story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first, sign up here. The must-reads I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

1 Democrats aren’t happy about Trump’s China chip U-turnThey’re worried about the security implications of approving exporting Nvidia chips. (WP $)+ They claim the Trump administration is using export controls as a bargaining chip. (The Hill)+ Meanwhile, both parties are planning new bills targeting China. (Reuters) 2 US tariffs are at their highest level since before WWIITrump’s tariff wall appears likely to trigger a global reordering of trade. (FT $)+ But who picks up the bill? (The Guardian)+ Sweeping tariffs could threaten the US manufacturing rebound. (MIT Technology Review) 3 Utility companies want Big Tech to pay more for their data centersOtherwise, rates may end up rising for regular customers. (WSJ $)+ The data center boom in the desert. (MIT Technology Review) 4 Citizen science is on the rise across the USPlatform iNaturalist is playing a key role in helping to identify new species. (NYT $)+ How nonprofits and academia are stepping up to salvage US climate programs. (MIT Technology Review) 5 Anthropic is cracking down on Claude power usersSome of its customers are running its AI coding tool 24/7. (TechCrunch)+ That’s seriously bad news for the environment. (Engadget)+ We did the math on AI’s energy footprint. Here’s the story you haven’t heard. (MIT Technology Review)6 MAHA might resurrect psychedelic therapyLast year, the FDA rejected MDMA therapy. Now, it might get thrown a lifeline. (Wired $)+ People are using AI to ‘sit’ with them while they trip on psychedelics. (MIT Technology Review) 7 Waymo is launching its robotaxi service in DallasIn a new partnership with car rental firm Avis, not Uber. (Reuters)+ It’s expanding steadily, unlike its rival Tesla. (Forbes $) 8 How a promising young coder wound up at DOGELuke Farritor has assessed, slashed, and dismantled at least 10 departments. (Bloomberg $)+ The foundations of America’s prosperity are being dismantled. (MIT Technology Review) 9 This Californian startup’s robot kills fish the Japanese way 🐟The method is considered the most humane way to kill them. (Semafor)
10 AI is making online shopping hyper-personalized 🛍️By serving up results for searches like “revenge dress to wear to a party in Sicily.” (CNN)
Quote of the day “Now I’ll click the ‘Verify you are human’ checkbox…this step is necessary to prove I’m not a bot.” —OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Agent explains how it passes a common internet security checkpoint designed to catch bots just like it, Ars Technica reports. One more thing How gamification took over the worldIt’s a thought that occurs to every video-game player at some point: What if the weird, hyper-focused state I enter when playing in virtual worlds could somehow be applied to the real one?Often pondered during especially challenging or tedious tasks in meatspace (writing essays, say, or doing your taxes), it’s an eminently reasonable question to ask. Life, after all, is hard. And while video games are too, there’s something almost magical about the way they can promote sustained bouts of superhuman concentration and resolve.For some, this phenomenon leads to an interest in flow states and immersion. For others, it’s simply a reason to play more games. For a handful of consultants, startup gurus, and game designers in the late 2000s, it became the key to unlocking our true human potential. But instead of liberating us, gamification turned out to be just another tool for coercion, distraction, and control. Read the full story.
—Bryan Gardiner We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.) + USPS is taking votes from the public to bring back their favorite stamps (thanks Amy!)+ Here’s how to make your morning toast that bit more interesting.+ The long-awaited Madonna biopic is still happening, apparently.+ Bad news for matcha fans—there’s a global shortage 🍵

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This startup wants to use the Earth as a massive battery

AI & Singularity / memoment editorial

Texas-based startup Quidnet Energy just completed a test showing it can store energy for up to six months by pumping water underground. Using water to store electricity is hardly a new concept—pumped hydropower storage has been around for over a century. But the company hopes its twist on the technology could help bring cheap, long-duration energy storage to new places. In traditional pumped hydro storage facilities, electric pumps move water uphill, into a natural or manmade body of water. Then, when electricity is needed, that water is released and flows downhill past a turbine, generating electricity. Quidnet’s approach instead pumps water down into impermeable rock formations and keeps it under pressure so it flows up when released. “It’s like pumped hydro, upside down,” says CEO Joe Zhou. Quidnet started a six-month test of its technology in late 2024, pressurizing the system. In June, the company was able to discharge 35 megawatt-hours of energy from the well. There was virtually no self-discharge, meaning no energy loss, Zhou says.
Inexpensive forms of energy storage that can store electricity for weeks or months could help inconsistent electricity sources like wind and solar to go further for the grid. And Quidnet’s approach, which uses commercially available equipment, could be deployed quickly and qualify for federal tax credits to help make it even cheaper. However, there’s still a big milestone ahead: turning the pressurized water back into electricity. The company is currently building a facility with the turbines and support equipment to do that—all of the components are available to purchase from established companies. “We don’t need to invent new things based on what we’ve already developed today,” Zhou says. “We can now start just deploying at very, very substantial scales.”
That process will come with energy losses. Energy storage systems are typically measured by their roundtrip efficiency: how much of the electricity that’s put into the system is returned at the end as electricity. Based on modeling, Quidnet’s technology could reach a maximum efficiency of about 65%, Zhou says, though some design choices made to optimize for economics will likely cause the system to land at roughly 50%. That’s less efficient than lithium-ion batteries, but long-duration systems, if they’re cheap enough, can operate at low efficiencies and still be useful for the grid, says Paul Denholm, a senior research fellow at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. “It’s got to be cost-competitive; it all comes down to that,” Denholm says. Lithium-ion batteries, the fastest growing technology in energy storage, are the target that new forms of energy storage, like Quidnet’s, must chase. Lithium-ion batteries are about 90% cheaper today than they were fifteen years ago. They’ve become a price-competitive alternative to building new natural gas plants, Denholm says. When it comes to competing with batteries, one potential differentiator for Quidnet could be government subsidies. While the Trump administration has clawed back funding for clean energy technologies, there’s still an energy storage tax credit, though recently passed legislation added new supply chain restrictions. Starting in 2026, new energy storage facilities hoping to qualify for tax credits will need to prove that at least 55% of the value of a project’s materials are not from foreign entities of concern. That rules out sourcing batteries from China, which dominates battery production today. Quidnet has a “high level of domestic content” and expects to qualify for tax credits under the new rules, Zhou says. The facility Quidnet is building is a project with utility partner CPS Energy, and it should come online in early 2026.

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OpenAI unleashes ChatGPT agent for truly autonomous AI tasks

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

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OpenAI just took a big leap forward with artificial intelligence. ChatGPT agent acts as more than just a chatbot; it serves as a real assistant that takes action on your behalf. We’re talking about planning trips, managing your email, making dinner reservations, summarizing long reports, and even running code, all with your permission.If you’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini, you know they’re great at answering questions and writing content. But ChatGPT agent goes beyond that. It doesn’t just suggest, it does.If you didn’t know, OpenAI is one of the world’s leading AI research labs. Founded in 2015, it’s behind some of today’s most talked-about tools, including GPT, DALL·E, and ChatGPT.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER. OpenAI’s ChatGPT agent mode. (OpenAI)How ChatGPT agent works: Tools, capabilities, and integrationThis new agent feature is available to Pro, Plus, and Team users through ChatGPT’s tools dropdown by selecting ‘agent mode’ at any point in a conversation. It signals a shift from chat-based assistants to fully capable AI helpers.ChatGPT agent powers itself with a unified agentic system that combines multiple strengths behind the scenes. It integrates Operator’s ability to interact visually with websites, clicking, filling forms, and navigating pages, with deep research’s capacity for synthesizing complex information. Added to this are new tools, including a text-based browser for efficient reasoning, a terminal to run code, and direct API access. The agent also uses connectors to apps like Gmail and GitHub to pull relevant data while maintaining security.When you assign it a task, ChatGPT agent spins up a secure virtual workspace, effectively giving your assistant its own computer. From there, it intelligently decides which tools to use, such as browsing, document editing, or command line interaction, and remembers the task context. This makes workflows smoother and more consistent, letting the agent complete multi-step assignments autonomously yet under your supervision. ChatGPT agent searching for flights. (OpenAI)No separate download: Agent is built into ChatGPTOpenAI’s agent isn’t a standalone product. It’s built right into the existing ChatGPT interface, whether you’re using the mobile app or the desktop version. That means you don’t need to download anything new or manage a separate tool. It feels more like a true assistant than a chatbot, capable of following multi-step instructions and updating you as it works.Agent won’t spy on you or go rogueOpenAI stresses that you remain fully in control. ChatGPT agent explicitly asks for your permission before sending emails, making bookings, or changing files. It actively refuses high-risk requests like bank transfers or actions with serious consequences without your consent.The agent stops when you open sensitive websites, avoids following harmful web instructions, and lets you clear browsing histories and revoke permissions at any time. Sensitive data like passwords are never stored or exposed because the model does not need to see them.Behind the scenes, the agent is trained to resist prompt injection attacks-malicious attempts to manipulate its behavior via web content-and OpenAI has layered multiple safeguards to prevent hallucinations, missteps, and misuse. ChatGPT agent reviewing recent emails and summarizing inbox for the day. (OpenAI)How to set up ChatGPT’s agentChatGPT’s agent feature is not available on the free version. To access this tool, you need a Plus, Pro, or Team subscription.1) Make sure you have accessUpgrade to a Plus or Pro plan at chat.openai.com.In the sidebar, click Explore GPTs.If you see a Create button or an “Agents” section, you’re good to go.2) Start building your agentClick Explore GPTs in the sidebar.Select Create in the top right.You’ll be taken to the GPT builder interface, where you can begin customizing your agent.3) Customize your agent’s behaviorYou’ll fill in the following:Name: Give your agent a clear, helpful name.Instructions: Describe what your agent should do, how it should behave, and what tone it should use.Tools: Enable options like Code Interpreter, Web Browsing, or DALL·E.Knowledge: Optionally upload files or documents your agent can reference. Never upload any confidential, banking, or sensitive personal information.4) Test your ChatGPT agentUse the preview window to interact with your agent.Make tweaks to instructions or settings as needed.5) Save and useOnce satisfied, click Save.Your custom agent will now appear under ‘My GPTs’, ready to use at any time.Keep a few limitations of ChatGPT agent in mindAlthough ChatGPT agent breaks new ground, it does not always deliver instant results. When handling complex multi-step tasks like planning an entire itinerary or generating slide decks, the process can take minutes or even hours because it requires your confirmation before performing sensitive actions. Currently, slide deck creation remains in beta. While the outputs are organized and editable, they sometimes lack polish and may show formatting issues. The system does not yet support importing existing slideshow templates, but OpenAI plans to add this feature in future updates. What this means for youNow, imagine delegating your most tedious tasks, such as replying to emails, booking dinners, or researching vacations, to an assistant who truly acts on your behalf. ChatGPT agent equips ChatGPT with both intelligence and action; it goes beyond suggesting ideas by actually getting things done. You retain full control while avoiding the need to micromanage every click or keystroke. Whether your schedule fills quickly or you simply dislike digital grunt work, ChatGPT agent is built to manage these demands efficiently. Looking ahead, OpenAI intends for the agent to work even more independently, completing your to-do list as you focus on what matters most. The key question remains: how much will you be willing to hand off? Kurt’s key takeawaysWith ChatGPT agent, we’re moving from AI chatbots that merely react to those that are proactive and decision-makers. As AI agents become increasingly autonomous, their capabilities will continue to expand. However, the biggest challenge for OpenAI will be striking the right balance between convenience, safety, and privacy.Would you trust an AI agent to carry out important tasks for you? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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The Download: how China’s universities approach AI, and the pitfalls of welfare algorithms

AI & Singularity / memoment editorial

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Chinese universities want students to use more AI, not less Just two years ago, students in China were told to avoid using AI for their assignments. At the time, to get around a national block on ChatGPT, students had to buy a mirror-site version from a secondhand marketplace. Its use was common, but it was at best tolerated and more often frowned upon. Now, professors no longer warn students against using AI. Instead, they’re encouraged to use it—as long as they follow best practices.Just like those in the West, Chinese universities are going through a quiet revolution. The use of generative AI on campus has become nearly universal. However, there’s a crucial difference. While many educators in the West see AI as a threat they have to manage, more Chinese classrooms are treating it as a skill to be mastered. Read the full story. —Caiwei Chen
If you’re interested in reading more about how AI is affecting education, check out: + Here’s how ed-tech companies are pitching AI to teachers.+ AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic say their technologies can help students learn—not just cheat. But real-world use suggests otherwise. Read the full story.+ The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better. Read the full story.+ This AI system makes human tutors better at teaching children math. Called Tutor CoPilot, it demonstrates how AI could enhance, rather than replace, educators’ work. Read the full story.
Why it’s so hard to make welfare AI fair There are plenty of stories about AI that’s caused harm when deployed in sensitive situations, and in many of those cases, the systems were developed without much concern to what it meant to be fair or how to implement fairness.But the city of Amsterdam did spend a lot of time and money to try to create ethical AI—in fact, it followed every recommendation in the responsible AI playbook. But when it deployed it in the real world, it still couldn’t remove biases. So why did Amsterdam fail? And more importantly: Can this ever be done right?Join our editor Amanda Silverman, investigative reporter Eileen Guo and Gabriel Geiger, an investigative reporter from Lighthouse Reports, for a subscriber-only Roundtables conversation at 1pm ET on Wednesday July 30 to explore if algorithms can ever be fair. Register here! The must-reads I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 The US has frozen tech export restrictions to China Donald Trump is attempting to thrash out a favorable deal with Beijing. (FT $) 2 Microsoft’s early cybersecurity alert system may have tipped off hackersIt’s investigating whether the program inadvertently leaked flaws in its SharePoint service. (Bloomberg $)+ But how did the hackers know how to exploit them? (The Register)3 This may be the last time humans beat AI at mathThe world’s brightest teenagers are still outwitting AI models—but for how long? (WSJ $)+ What’s next for AI and math. (MIT Technology Review)

4 Google is putting a vibe coding app through its pacesOpal is the company’s answer to the likes of Cursor and Lovable. (TechCrunch)+ What is vibe coding, exactly? (MIT Technology Review) 5 What the future of satellite-on-satellite warfare may look likeAmerica is preparing for combat in low-Earth orbit. (Economist $) 6 San Francisco is becoming a proper tech hub once againThe city is finally revitalizing post-pandemic. (WP $) 7 A women’s dating safety app database has been exposedAnd the womens’ data shared to 4Chan. (404 Media)+ More than 72,000 images were stolen in the breach. (Reuters)+ Interest in the app has skyrocketed in the past week. (NYT $) 8 Optimists are using AI to manifest their dream livesFor when your Pinterest vision board is no longer cutting it. (NYT $) 9 A new kind of aerogel could help make saltwater drinkableAnd, unlike previous aerogels, it works on a scale large enough to matter. (Ars Technica) 10 How AI is changing video gamesExperts are bracing themselves for a complete industry takeover. (NYT $)+ How generative AI could reinvent what it means to play. (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day “Let’s face it, you can’t have the Chinese have an app on 100 million American phones, that is just not okay.”
—Howard Lutnick, the US secretary of commerce, explains why he thinks TikTok must be sold to an American owner, Reuters reports. One more thing Is the digital dollar dead?In 2020, digital currencies were one of the hottest topics in town. China was well on its way to launching its own central bank digital currency, or CBDC, and many other countries launched CBDC research projects, including the US.How things change. Years later, the digital dollar—even though it doesn’t exist—has become political red meat, as some politicians label it a dystopian tool for surveillance. And late last year, the Boston Fed quietly stopped working on its CBDC project. So is the dream of the digital dollar dead? Read the full story. —Mike Orcutt
We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.) + How Canada is working with First Nations to connect ecological hotspots.+ Meet the dedicated followers of fashion running some of the most popular celebrity style Instagram accounts.+ The most worthless kitchen tools and gadgets, according to pro chefs.+ This clever interactive map pinpoints the locations of films, TV shows, books and games.

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This EV has a face, and it talks back with AI

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Walking up to your car and seeing it recognize you, light up with a digital smile and respond to your voice used to be something only seen in TV shows and movies. Now, LA-based Faraday Future is making that experience a reality. At its California headquarters, the company recently unveiled the FX Super One, a tech-packed electric vehicle featuring the F.A.C.E., short for Front AI Communication Ecosystem. This expressive LED grille gives the car personality, allowing it to connect through light, sound and even emotional cues.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER LUCID JOINS TESLA AND GM WITH HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING FX Super One, a tech-packed EV featuring the F.A.C.E. (Faraday Future)Inside the Faraday Future FX Super One electric MPVThe FX Super One is an electric MPV designed with flexibility and intelligence at its core. It offers two types of powertrains, including a fully electric option and a hybrid setup known as AI Hybrid Extended Range. All-wheel drive comes standard, and the wheelbase is extended to create what Faraday calls Magic Space, a spacious interior that adapts to various needs.Seating configurations vary, but one standout version, called GOAT, features four seats, including luxurious zero-gravity recliners in the back. These are paired with a wide panoramic display and even a built-in refrigerator. Other versions can seat six or seven passengers and include smart cabin lighting, high-end materials and a fully digital infotainment system designed for interaction. Interior of the FX Super One, a tech-packed EV featuring the F.A.C.E. (Faraday Future)How the F.A.C.E. AI grille works on the FX Super OneInstead of just lighting up like a typical grille, the F.A.C.E. uses AI to sense people nearby and respond with dynamic visuals. It listens to voice commands and reacts with animations that can show emotion or deliver information. It’s powered by Faraday’s Embodied Intelligence Agent system, which links the grille with other AI-driven features inside the car.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?The system works when the vehicle is parked and is designed to create a sense of connection between the driver and the machine. Voice recognition, camera input and learned behavior all feed into how the car responds. Over time, it adjusts its reactions based on how you use it. You might see calming patterns after a long day or playful responses when you greet it in the morning.AI technology and smart features in the FX Super OneThe F.A.C.E. is only part of the story. The FX Super One also comes loaded with smart safety tools powered by the same AI system. These include a 360-degree sensor suite that combines cameras, radar and lidar for full environmental awareness. The cabin features a quick-starting operating system that lets passengers customize their experience on the go. As for driving, the car’s architecture supports intelligent assistance that helps reduce risk and make decisions based on both data and context. The goal isn’t just automation, it’s collaboration between the driver and the vehicle. Exterior of the FX Super One, a tech-packed EV featuring the F.A.C.E. (Faraday Future)What’s next for Faraday Future and the FX Super OneMore than 10,000 people have already pre-ordered the FX Super One, indicating rapidly growing interest in the vehicle. Faraday Future plans to start production in late 2025 at its Hanford, California, plant. This aggressive timeline demonstrates the brand’s renewed drive to gain momentum in the competitive EV market. With the FX Super One, Faraday Future delivers bold innovations that go beyond speed, range or luxury. The company envisions a new era of mobility defined by personality and human connection. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREHow much will the Faraday Future FX Super One cost?Faraday Future is targeting a price for the FX Super One of under $100,000. You can reserve your FX Super One now with a refundable $100 deposit on Faraday Future’s official website. Exterior of the FX Super One, a tech-packed EV featuring the F.A.C.E. (Faraday Future)Kurt’s key takeawaysThe FX Super One feels like more than an electric vehicle. It brings personality to the road with its talking grille, adaptive cabin and emotionally aware AI. Faraday Future is leaning into connection and creativity, offering a car that responds to your presence and remembers how you interact with it. Whether the F.A.C.E. becomes a must-have feature or just a fun extra, it adds something fresh to the EV space.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you drive a car that smiles at you and knows when you’re having a bad day? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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How to stop spam mail, political texts and email spam for good

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Flooded mailboxes, cluttered inboxes and constant phone buzzing plague millions of people daily. If you want to stop spam mail, political texts and unwanted emails from taking over your life, you’re in the right place. Your personal information is shared without your permission, and, unfortunately, this happens more often than you think.Deidre from New York shared her frustration:”These are charities I donate to every other month, but I still get three to four mailings a month. I’ve tried asking them to stop, but nothing changes.”Her experience shows how good intentions backfire. Furthermore, supporting causes or registering to vote triggers floods of unwanted messages. Once organizations share your information, the problem multiplies quickly.NEW GMAIL TOOL MAKES IT EASY TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM EMAILS IN BULKWe’ll show you three effective strategies to stop spam mail, block political texts and eliminate email spam.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER Spam mail (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Stop charity mail1. Contact the charity directly: Call or email donor services teams with this message: “I appreciate your work and will continue to support you. However, please reduce mailings to twice a year or switch me to email only.” Additionally, include your name, address and donor ID from mailing labels.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?2. Register with DMAchoice: This service cuts unwanted promotional mail by up to 80%. First, create an account at dmachoice.org. Next, pay the $6 fee for 10 years of protection. Finally, opt out of categories like charity and retail mail.3. Get removed from shared lists: When contacting charities, add this request: “Please do not rent, share or sell my contact information to other organizations.” Many charities exchange donor lists. Consequently, your mailbox continues to fill up even after supporting just one cause. Mail slot with message to not allow junk or spam mail (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Stop political textsPolitical texts present unique challenges. Campaigns have broad exemptions from anti-spam laws. They legally use voter data and share numbers between organizations. So, you can’t eliminate political texts completely. However, you can reduce them significantly:Reply “STOP” to opt out of individual campaignsBlock persistent numbersReport unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM)Stop email spam1. Use email aliases: Protect your main inbox by using alias addresses when signing up for services. Many email providers offer tools that create alternate addresses. These are forwarded to your real address while keeping your identity private. By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases forward messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage incoming communications and avoid data breaches. For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com/Mail GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE2. Unsubscribe carefully: Legitimate emails deserve proper unsubscribing. Scroll down and click “Unsubscribe” for trusted senders. However, suspicious emails require different treatment. Mark them as spam instead. This helps your email provider filter similar messages later.3. Invest in personal data removal services: Many spam emails originate from companies that buy your data from broker sites. Personal data removal services can help eliminate this information at the source. These services scan hundreds of websites and remove your personal details continuously.Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/DeleteGet a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan A person typing on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Kurt’s key takeawaysLearning how to stop spam mail, block unwanted texts and filter email spam takes time. Nevertheless, you don’t have to accept this mess. Simple steps, such as contacting organizations directly, make a difference. Moreover, opting out of shared lists and using privacy tools drastically reduces clutter. The more control you take over how your information is shared, the fewer distractions you will have in your mailbox, inbox and on your phone.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAre you dealing with unwanted charity mail, political texts or spam emails? What have you tried to stop them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTERCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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