AI's impact on various sectors is making headlines, with developments ranging from medical advice accuracy to regulatory scrutiny and workplace practices. The European Union has ordered Meta to allow rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp, while a new study highlights the potential dangers of AI-generated medical advice. Simultaneously, the tech industry is seeing some companies embrace extreme work hours, and legal battles over social media's impact on children are unfolding in the US.
The EU's directive to Meta stems from concerns that the tech giant is abusing its dominant position by blocking rival AI chatbots from accessing WhatsApp. According to a BBC Technology report, the European Commission stated that WhatsApp is a crucial entry point for AI chatbots like ChatGPT to reach users. Meta, however, has contested the EU's claims, with a spokesperson stating the EU had "no reason" to intervene and had "incorrectly" assumed WhatsApp Business was a key way that people use chatbots. The tech giant had changed the messaging app on January 15th, and since then, only its AI assistant, Meta AI, could access it.
Meanwhile, a University of Oxford study, as reported by BBC Technology, found that AI chatbots provide inaccurate and inconsistent medical advice, potentially posing risks to users. Researchers gave 1,300 people a scenario to test the chatbots. Dr. Rebecca Payne, the lead medical practitioner on the study, warned that it could be "dangerous" for people to consult chatbots about their symptoms. A Mental Health UK poll from November 2025 revealed that over one in three UK residents already use AI to support their mental health or wellbeing.
In the business sector, some tech firms are pushing the boundaries of work culture. A BBC Business report highlighted that some companies are advertising 70-hour work weeks. One New York-based tech business, Rilla, which sells AI-based systems, includes a warning in its job ads: "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."
Legal battles concerning social media's impact are also underway. Al Jazeera reported that landmark cases against social media companies began this week in the US, with lawsuits alleging that companies like Meta prioritized profits over children's safety. Opening arguments began in a case brought by New Mexico's attorney general's office, which alleges that Meta failed to protect children from sexually explicit material.
These developments highlight the multifaceted impact of AI and technology across various aspects of society, from healthcare and regulation to work practices and legal challenges. The coming weeks and months will likely see further developments in these areas as stakeholders grapple with the implications of these technological advancements.
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