An AI safety researcher quit US firm Anthropic with a warning that the "world is in peril," while a popular AI coding platform was found to have significant security flaws, according to recent reports. Meanwhile, a porn site was fined £800,000 for failing to implement proper age verification measures, and a game developer laid off staff just two weeks after its game's release. These developments come as travel bookings surge for the February half-term, driven by gloomy weather.
Mrinank Sharma, the AI safety researcher, shared his resignation letter on X, stating he was leaving Anthropic amid concerns about AI, bioweapons, and the state of the wider world. He plans to pursue writing and poetry, and move back to the UK to "become invisible." This resignation follows another researcher's departure from OpenAI, who shared concerns about the company's decision to deploy adverts in its chatbot.
In the technology sector, the BBC found a significant cyber-security risk in Orchids, a "vibe-coding" AI platform. The platform allows users without technical skills to build apps and games by typing text prompts. A BBC reporter was able to be hacked, demonstrating the risks of allowing AI bots deep access to computers.
Elsewhere, Ofcom fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for failing to introduce proper age verification measures. The media regulator stated the company did not have "highly effective" methods to check UK visitors were over 18. Kick Online Entertainment has since implemented age checks, but was not complying with the law between July and December 2025. Additionally, message board 4chan will be fined £520,000 for failing to comply with the UK's Online Safety Law, though its lawyer says the company will not pay. Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said it was "non-negotiable" for adult sites to have highly effective age verification.
In the gaming industry, Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the multiplayer shooter Highguard, laid off staff just two weeks after the game's release. Highguard was first revealed at The Game Awards in December. Despite being made by a team of games industry veterans who worked on successful titles such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Titanfall, the free-to-play game struggled to retain players since it launched in January.
Finally, the travel industry is experiencing a surge in bookings for the February half-term. According to a group of travel agents, bookings are up 9% compared to last year, driven by weeks of rain and the political environment, creating a "powerful psychological need for escape." Manchester Airport anticipates its busiest February half-term on record, with almost 50,000 passengers flying out on Friday. Jet2 also reported a rise in bookings. However, travellers heading to Europe are warned of potential security delays due to the rollout of the European Entry Exit System.
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