The United Nations is launching its first international forum on military artificial intelligence, led by UNIDIR head Robin Geiss. The forum, set to convene Thursday, brings together global actors to address how AI is shrinking human judgment in areas like nuclear defense, drone operations, and cyber-attacks. Geiss highlighted a recent U.S.-China safety proposal as evidence that AI concerns are crossing geopolitical divides, and the initiative aims to develop responsible AI guidelines before machines potentially act outside human control.
Meanwhile, teenagers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for personal advice and companionship. A recent study found 60% of teens have used AI-powered chatbots to talk to someone, with 40% seeking advice through them. Experts like Dr. Sarah Jones warn that leaning on technology means relying less on human connections, and cyberpsychology expert Dr. Rachel Wood noted that these relationships can erode relational skills over time.
In the business world, Dina Powell McCormick, president and vice chairman of Meta, is advocating for worker retraining as AI reshapes jobs. She shared the story of a custodian who became a fiber technician through a training program, and she urged employers to help cover training costs and partner with community colleges to connect instruction to real job openings.
On the regulation front, experts are pushing back on AI kill switches as a flawed approach to oversight. Dylan Baker and others argue that kill switches hide the complex human decisions involved in overseeing AI systems and ignore the technological realities of how AI actually operates.
Game designer Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros and Kirby, warned that generative AI could make games less original. He pointed out that annual Steam game releases have surged from about 275 in 2010 to over 19,000 today, and he said AI can only copy existing patterns rather than create truly original experiences.
Researchers are also building smaller AI models that skip giant data centers. Teams at Tufts University and companies like Liquid AI are developing compact models that run on a single chip, potentially saving significant energy. Their robot Ava can navigate unexpected obstacles without needing an internet connection, offering an alternative to power-hungry tools like Claude and ChatGPT.
Ohio is evaluating its AI Ready Ohio pilot program, launched in November 2025, which teaches thousands of residents how to use AI at work. While software developer Musa Hakim Jr. says the training helped him grow an app with over 10,000 people on its waitlist, economists remain uncertain whether the certificates are leading to better jobs or higher pay.
The Department of Homeland Security released an updated AI policy that includes a waiver loophole, letting the agency's chief AI officer waive any requirement, including prohibited use cases. Critics say the loophole removes meaningful oversight because there is no independent review or public notice, and the policy also drops language about equity and privacy protections.
In San Francisco, developers proposed turning the boarded-up San Francisco Centre mall into a community-based AI exhibit rather than a datacenter. The plan includes an AI-controlled living space with retail, sports, and education areas, plus a rooftop park. Local business owner Helen Nasser said the mall needs to reopen or her deli will not survive, though the project still faces an uncertain path to approval.
On the medical front, Precision Eye Care is using AI to fight glaucoma, known as the silent thief of sight. Dr. Maria Romero uses advanced technology to detect and manage the disease, with AI insights helping determine when medications are no longer enough and when treatments like Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery should be considered.
Key Takeaways
- The UN's UNIDIR is launching its first international forum on military AI risks, led by head Robin Geiss, who warns that human judgment is narrowing in nuclear defense and warfare.
- A recent U.S.-China AI safety proposal shows AI concerns are crossing geopolitical divides, and the forum aims to develop responsible AI behavior guidelines.
- 60% of teenagers have used AI chatbots to talk to someone, with 40% using them for advice, raising concerns about erosion of human connections and relational skills.
- Meta president and vice chairman Dina Powell McCormick is pushing for employer-funded retraining programs to help workers transition into new roles created by AI.
- Experts like Dylan Baker argue AI kill switches are a flawed regulation approach because they hide complex human oversight decisions and ignore technological realities.
- Game designer Masahiro Sakurai warns generative AI leads to repetitive games, citing Steam releases jumping from about 275 in 2010 to over 19,000 today.
- Researchers at Tufts University and companies like Liquid AI are building compact AI models that run on a single chip, offering an energy-efficient alternative to data center tools like Claude and ChatGPT.
- Ohio's AI Ready Ohio pilot, launched November 2025, shows mixed results: one developer grew an app with 10,000 waitlisted users, but economists question whether certificates lead to better jobs.
- The Department of Homeland Security's updated AI policy includes a waiver loophole letting its chief AI officer override any requirement, with no independent review or public notice.
- San Francisco developers proposed replacing a planned datacenter at the old San Francisco Centre mall with a community AI exhibit featuring retail, sports, and education spaces.
UN launches new initiative on military AI risks
The United Nations is launching a new initiative on military uses of artificial intelligence. The U.N. Institute for Disarmament Research, called UNIDIR, plans to launch the first international forum on the issue. Head Robin Geiss warned that human judgment is shrinking in areas like nuclear defense. The forum will bring together global actors to address AI risks.
AI threatens human control in warfare, UN warns
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reducing human decision-making in military operations, UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss warned. He asked whether machines will be allowed to target and kill people. AI is being used for intelligence, drone operations, and cyber-attacks, increasing the speed of battlefield actions. Geiss said opaque AI systems raise risks of error and escalation. The UN is creating a forum to develop guidelines for responsible AI use.
UN initiative targets military AI threat to humanity
The United Nations is launching an initiative on military uses of artificial intelligence to address concerns about threats to humanity. The plan by UNIDIR will launch Thursday as the first international forum on the topic. Robin Geiss warned that human judgment is narrowing, including in the nuclear domain. He said it is hard to know when machines might act outside human control. The initiative aims to tackle military AI risks globally.
UN addresses growing military AI concerns
The United Nations is launching a new initiative on military uses of artificial intelligence. UNIDIR head Robin Geiss said AI is spreading into areas like early warning systems and reconnaissance. He noted a growing realization that the world is at a crossroads on military AI. The U.N. recognizes global competition in AI as a serious obstacle. A new forum will launch Thursday to address the issue.
UN forum to address military AI risks worldwide
The United Nations is launching an initiative on military uses of artificial intelligence to address serious threats. UNIDIR, based in Geneva, will launch a new forum Thursday bringing together actors from every sector and region. Head Robin Geiss warned that human judgment is narrowing in military and nuclear areas. He said concerns about AI are crossing geopolitical divides, including a recent U.S.-China safety proposal. The forum will focus on responsible AI behavior and guidelines.
UN launches new initiative to address military AI risks
The United Nations is launching a new initiative on the military uses of artificial intelligence. UNIDIR will launch the first international forum on Thursday to tackle the issue. Head Robin Geiss warned that human judgment is increasingly narrow in areas like nuclear defense. The initiative comes as concerns about AI's impact transcend geopolitical blocs, with a recent US-China proposal for an AI safety alert system.
UN launches new initiative to address military AI risks
The United Nations is launching a new initiative focused on the military uses of artificial intelligence. The effort addresses concerns about the threat rapidly developing AI technology could pose to humanity. UNIDIR established a Center of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security this summer, funded by all five major nuclear powers. The new forum will bring together actors from every relevant sector worldwide.
Teens increasingly use AI chatbots for relationships and advice
Teenagers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for relationships and advice. A recent study found 60% of teenagers have used AI-powered chatbots to talk to someone, with 40% using them for advice. Experts warn the trend could have serious consequences for mental health and human connections. Dr. Sarah Jones stated that relying more on technology means relying less on human connections.
Teens are turning to AI for dating advice and even companionship
A Harris Poll shows around 50% of Gen Z is curious about or open to a deeply personal relationship with artificial intelligence. People use chatbots for dating questions and romantic companionship because they feel they can be themselves without judgment. Cyberpsychology expert Dr. Rachel Wood noted that relationships often start with homework help before becoming deeply personal. Experts warn that relying solely on chatbots could erode relational skills over time.
As AI rises, create opportunities for Texans
As Texans consider what new technologies will mean for their livelihoods, the focus should be on moving people into opportunities those technologies create. Dina Powell McCormick, president and vice chairman of Meta, shared a story of a custodian who became a fiber technician through a training program. She described barriers like lost income and tuition that prevent people from seeking training. The article suggests employers should help cover training costs and partner with community colleges to connect instruction to actual job openings.
Precision Eye Care uses AI to fight glaucoma and protect sight
Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight because it often shows no symptoms. At Precision Eye Care, Dr. Maria Romero uses advanced technology to detect and manage the disease. The approach focuses on protecting the optic nerve and preserving vision through personalized care. AI insights also help determine when medications are no longer enough and when treatments like Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery should be considered.
Experts say AI kill switches are the wrong way to regulate artificial intelligence
Some AI regulation efforts in 2026 have focused on adding kill switches to shut down dangerous models. Experts like Dylan Baker say the kill switch metaphor is flawed. It hides the complex human decisions involved in overseeing AI systems. The idea also ignores the technological realities behind how AI actually works.
Super Smash Bros creator warns AI could make games less original
Game designer Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros and Kirby, voiced concerns about AI in game development. He said generative AI can lead to repetitive and unoriginal games. Sakurai pointed out that annual Steam game releases jumped from about 275 in 2010 to over 19,000 today. He explained that AI can only copy existing patterns and cannot create truly original experiences like human designers can.
AI researchers build small smart models that skip giant data centers
Popular AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT rely on massive data centers that use huge amounts of power and water. Researchers like Matthias Scheutz at Tufts University are building compact AI models that fit on a single chip. Their robot Ava can navigate unexpected obstacles using a neurosymbolic model without needing an internet connection. Companies like Liquid AI are also pursuing small AI that can run on devices like cars, potentially saving significant energy.
Ohio weighs whether its AI training program is actually helping workers
The AI Ready Ohio pilot program launched in November 2025 to teach thousands of Ohioans how to use AI at work. It is a partnership between JobsOhio and the Enterprise Technology Association. Software developer Musa Hakim Jr. says the training helped him grow an app with over 10,000 people on its waitlist. However, economists say it is still unclear whether the certificates are leading to better jobs or higher pay.
DHS updates AI policy with waiver loophole for civil liberties
The Department of Homeland Security released an updated AI policy this month. The policy lets the agency's chief AI officer waive any requirement, including prohibited use cases. Critics say this loophole removes meaningful oversight because there is no independent review or public notice. The policy also removes language about equity and privacy protections. It adds new rules for sharing and reusing AI assets.
San Francisco mall AI exhibit plan replaces proposed datacenter
Developers proposed turning the boarded-up San Francisco Centre mall into a community-based AI exhibit instead of a datacenter. The plan includes an AI-controlled living space with retail, sports, education areas and a rooftop park. Developer Krieger said the project is designed to bring foot traffic back to downtown businesses. Local business owner Helen Nasser said she needs the mall to reopen or her deli will not survive. The project still faces an uncertain path to approval.
Sources
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- AI On Track To ‘Crowd Out’ Human Decision-Making In Warfare
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI
- Teenagers turning to artificial intelligence for relationships and advice
- Teens are turning to AI for dating advice and even companionship
- As AI rises, create opportunities for Texans
- Precision Eye Care explains how AI is helping protect vision
- A ‘kill switch’ is the wrong way to regulate AI. Here’s why
- Super Smash Bros. creator speaks out about the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry
- How some AI researchers skip big data centers by thinking small
- Examining effectiveness of Ohio's AI training
- What’s new in Homeland Security’s updated AI policy
- Downtown datacenter? AI plan floated for boarded-up San Francisco mall
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