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Social Media

Australia's Social Media Shutdown: Meta Alerts Teens to Account Closures

Meta is notifying Australian Facebook and Instagram users under 16 about the upcoming social media ban effective December 10. Teens will lose access to existing accounts, and new accounts for those under 16 will be blocked starting December 4.

Upon turning 16, users can regain access to their accounts. The challenge lies in verifying users' ages accurately, given the difficulties and security risks associated with digital age checks and identity verification services. Vulnerabilities in these platforms can expose sensitive personal information.

Past incidents, such as the AU10TIX breach affecting TikTok, Uber, and X users, highlight the security concerns surrounding identity verification.

Politics

Summers Resigns from OpenAI Board Following Epstein File Release

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from OpenAI's board after Congress released emails detailing his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

The emails, exchanged between 2018 and 2019, reveal Summers seeking advice from Epstein on pursuing a relationship with a woman he described as a mentee.

Harvard University, where Summers is a former president and current professor, will also investigate his connections with Epstein.

The resignation and investigation follow the release of Epstein files by the House and Senate.

Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery

Onepot AI Secures $13M to Revolutionize Chemical Drug Synthesis with AI

Onepot AI, founded by Daniil Boiko and Andrei Tyrin, has emerged from stealth with $13 million in funding to streamline small-molecule synthesis for drug discovery. The company's AI organic chemist, Phil, accelerates compound synthesis for biotech and pharma partners, reducing the time from months to days. Onepot's technology offers a catalog of molecules for clients to choose from, synthesizing and shipping compounds for their experiments. The company captures detailed experimental data, enabling reproducible results and training AI agents with real-world data. The new funding will support a second lab in San Francisco and team expansion. Onepot aims to accelerate drug discovery and broaden the design space for potential drugs and materials.

Artificial Intelligence & Retail

Target Embraces AI: Launches ChatGPT-Powered Shopping App and Expands OpenAI Enterprise Integration

Target is set to launch a new ChatGPT-powered app for shoppers, allowing them to browse, build multi-item baskets, shop for food, and check out. This initiative follows OpenAI's recent addition of retail apps to ChatGPT, including Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow. Target will also roll out ChatGPT Enterprise across its 18,000 headquarters employees for improved supply chain forecasting and streamlined store processes. Furthermore, OpenAI's models will be integrated into Target's digital tools, enhancing employee support, customer service, AI-driven shopping assistants, and personalized gift finders.

Cybersecurity

Guardio Secures $80M to Fortify AI-Driven Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity firm Guardio has raised $80 million in a funding round led by ION Crossover Partners to combat malicious code created using AI tools. Guardio's technology scans for vulnerabilities in code and websites, particularly those built with vibe coding tools. Lovable has partnered with Guardio to ensure the security of websites on its platform. The company, founded in 2018, has 500,000 paying users and has reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue. Guardio is also introducing new features to enhance user visibility into publicly shared documents and sensitive information.

Social Media

TikTok Introduces AI Content Control and Enhanced Labeling

TikTok is introducing a new setting that allows users to control the amount of AI-generated content they see on their "For You" feed.

The feature is located within the "Manage Topics" tool, enabling users to adjust their content preferences.

TikTok is also testing "invisible watermarking" to improve its ability to label AI-generated content, adding an extra layer of security.

The company is investing $2 million in an AI literacy fund to support educational content creation about AI safety and literacy.

Technology

Lovable's European Triumph: $200M ARR Milestone

Lovable's European Triumph: $200M ARR Milestone

Company Growth: Lovable, a Swedish AI-assisted coding software company, has doubled its annual recurring revenue (ARR) to $200 million in just four months.

Location Strategy: CEO Anton Osika credited the company's decision to stay in Europe, despite early advice to move to Silicon Valley, as a key factor in its success.

Talent Acquisition: The company has attracted top talent from Silicon Valley firms like Notion and Gusto to work in Stockholm.

Community Contribution: Lovable's open-source community has played a significant role in improving its technology.

Funding: Lovable has raised over $225 million in venture funding since its founding a year ago, including a $200 million Series A round in July.

Social Media

TikTok Introduces AI Content Control and Enhanced Labeling

TikTok is launching a new setting that allows users to control the amount of AI-generated content they see in their "For You" feed. This new feature is located within the "Manage Topics" tool, enabling users to adjust their content preferences, including AI-generated content.

In addition to content control, TikTok is testing "invisible watermarking" technology to improve its ability to label AI-generated content. This watermark will be added to content created with TikTok's AI tools and content uploaded with C2PA's Content Credentials, providing an extra layer of verification.

TikTok is also investing in AI literacy by launching a $2 million fund to support experts and organizations like Girls Who Code in creating educational content about AI safety and literacy.

Femtech

Emm: Revolutionizing Women's Health with Smart Menstrual Cup and $9M Seed Funding

Jenny Button's Emm is developing a smart menstrual cup that uses advanced sensor technology to gather data about menstrual cycles. The UK-based company secured $9 million in seed funding led by Lunar Ventures to launch the product in the UK next year. The cup functions like a regular menstrual cup but provides insights into reproductive health, potentially aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like endometriosis. Data is encrypted and anonymized to ensure privacy. Emm aims to expand into diagnosis, digital care tools, and therapeutics, impacting women's health more broadly.

Automotive

Jeep Recon's Electrified Comeback: An Unexpected Off-Road Revelation

The Jeep Recon, an all-electric SUV with an estimated 250 miles of range, is set to launch in 2026, defying earlier industry trends of automakers scaling back EV plans. Despite initial skepticism, the Recon has survived and is slated for production at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, with initial availability in the U.S. and Canada, followed by a global expansion.

Priced starting at $65,000 (plus a $1,995 destination fee), the Recon boasts four-wheel-drive, a Trail Rated badge, and features designed for off-road enthusiasts, including Selec-Terrain traction management, underbody protection, tow hooks, off-road tires, and e-locker axle technology. The vehicle also integrates the North American Charging System (NACS), requiring an adapter for Tesla Supercharger access.

The Recon's powertrain includes a 100-kWh battery pack, delivering 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The interior features a 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen, the largest ever for a Jeep, complemented by classic features like Wrangler-inspired LED taillamps, a swing gate, and removable doors.