AI chatbots and tech giants were at the center of several news stories, with the EU taking action against Meta, while a new study highlighted the potential dangers of AI medical advice. Simultaneously, in the business world, BP announced cost-cutting measures, Novo Nordisk sued a rival, and a trial began examining the mental health effects of social media.
The European Union told Meta it had breached its rules by blocking rival AI chatbots from accessing WhatsApp, demanding "urgent" changes, according to a BBC Technology report. The EU claimed WhatsApp was an "important entry point" for AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to reach users, and accused Meta of abusing its dominant position. A Meta spokesperson countered that the EU had "no reason" to intervene.
A separate study from the University of Oxford, also reported by BBC Technology, found that AI chatbots provided inaccurate and inconsistent medical advice, potentially posing risks to users. Researchers gave 1,300 people a scenario and found that the advice was a mix of good and bad responses, making it difficult to trust. Dr. Rebecca Payne, lead medical practitioner on the study, stated it could be "dangerous" for people to ask chatbots about their symptoms. This comes as polling by Mental Health UK found that over one in three UK residents now use AI to support their mental health or wellbeing, as of November 2025.
In the business sector, BP announced a drop in annual profits and increased its cost-cutting targets, as reported by BBC Business. The oil giant's profits fell to 7.5 billion pounds in 2025, down from 8.9 billion pounds the previous year, due to a 20% drop in crude prices. The company also suspended its share buyback program. BP is shifting its strategy away from renewable energy and refocusing on oil and gas operations, a trend expected to continue under new boss Meg O'Neill, who takes up her position in April.
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, sued a rival firm for allegedly selling "unsafe, knock-off" versions of its weight-loss drugs in the US, as reported by BBC Business. The Danish company asked US courts to ban Hims & Hers' weight-loss products, claiming they were not approved by US authorities and infringed on its patent. Hims & Hers had initially launched a new weight-loss pill, but announced it would stop selling it over the weekend. On Monday, its share price slumped as it called Novo Nordisk's lawsuit a "blatant attack."
Finally, a landmark trial began in California examining the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube, as reported by BBC Business. Lawyers accused the social media companies of creating "addiction machines," with Mark Lanier arguing that his client, plaintiff "K.G.M.," suffered from mental health issues due to social media addiction. "These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose," Lanier said. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube countered that K.G.M.'s addiction stemmed from other issues.
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