Palestinians and international observers have condemned new Israeli measures in the West Bank, viewing them as a step towards de facto annexation, while the EU has told Meta to allow rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp, and businesses are warned of extinction if they fail to protect nature. Additionally, the Iberian Peninsula was hit by a third deadly storm in two weeks, and some tech firms are embracing 72-hour work weeks.
According to BBC World, the measures, approved by Israel's security cabinet, would ease the process for Jewish settlers to take over Palestinian land. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the moves, stating, "We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state." All settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Meanwhile, the European Union has accused Meta of breaching its rules by preventing rival AI firms' chatbots from operating on WhatsApp. BBC Technology reported that the EU stated Meta must make "urgent" changes. The tech giant had altered the messaging app on January 15th, restricting access to its own AI assistant, Meta AI. The European Commission argued that WhatsApp is a crucial entry point for AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and Meta was abusing its dominant position. However, a Meta spokesperson told the BBC the EU had "no reason" to intervene, claiming the EU had "incorrectly" assumed WhatsApp Business was a key way that people use chatbots.
In the business world, a major report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Ipbes) warned that businesses risk extinction if they fail to protect and restore the natural world. BBC Business reported that the assessment, based on contributions from leading scientists and approved by 150 governments, highlighted how companies can shift from harmful approaches to ones that help restore nature.
Also, the Iberian Peninsula has been struck by a third storm in two weeks, following the deadly flooding and damage caused by Storms Kristin and Leonardo. The Guardian reported that Storm Marta swept across Spain and Portugal over the weekend, causing further devastation.
Finally, some tech firms are pushing the boundaries of work culture, with some New York-based companies advertising 70-hour work weeks. According to BBC Business, recruitment websites are promising perks like free meals and gym memberships, but also include warnings about the demanding work hours. One such company, Rilla, which sells AI-based systems, includes the warning: "Please don't join if you're not excited about working 70 hrs/week in person with some of the most ambitious people in NYC."
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This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
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