The New York Times
Ukraine’s war with Russia is accelerating the emergence of semiautonomous “killer” drones that can identify, track, and strike targets with limited or no human control. Facing Russian jamming and defenses, AI-enabled drones have been deployed that are capable of autonomous navigation, terminal attack, and coordinated swarm operations. Thousands are now in combat use, creating a live-fire testing ground for technologies that critics warn lower moral barriers to killing, risk civilian harm, and fuel a global arms race in autonomous weapons.
From "Dawn of the AI Drone"
The New York Times (12/31/25) C.J. Chivers
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The Washington Post
California has implemented the strongest data privacy protection in the U.S. with the launch of a government-run website that allows residents to demand deletion of their personal data from more than 500 data brokers. Enabled by the state’s 2023 Delete Act, the system gives Californians a centralized “delete button” to opt out of a largely invisible industry that collects and sells detailed personal information, often without consent. Data brokers must begin complying later this year or face fines.
From "Toughest U.S. Privacy Protections Kick In"
The Washington Post (01/02/26) Shira Ovide
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Politico
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. used cyberattacks to shut off electricity in Venezuela during recent military strikes. At a press conference, Trump said, “It was dark, the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have, it was dark, and it was deadly.” Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. Cyber Command and Space Command helped “layer different effects” to enable U.S. aircraft operations, without detailing the actions.
From "Trump Suggests Cyberattacks Turned Off Lights in Venezuela During Strikes"
Politico (01/03/26) Maggie Miller
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Federal News Network
The U.S. Army is launching a new AI and machine-learning officer career field, designated 49B, to accelerate its shift toward a data-driven, AI-enabled military force. The specialty will roll out in phases, with officers able to apply for voluntary transfer starting this week, and formal transfers expected by October. Selected officers will receive graduate-level training and hands-on experience developing and maintaining AI systems, incurring a three-year service obligation.
From "U.S. Army Launches AI, ML Career Path for Officers"
Federal News Network (12/31/25) Anastasia Obis
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Axios
Traffic to top websites has dropped more than 11% over the past five years, data from Web analytics firm Similarweb show, highlighting mounting pressure on traditional publishers as AI-driven experiences reshape how users access information. While overall Internet traffic has remained stable, older websites are steadily losing visits, often left unmaintained and riddled with broken or outdated links—a phenomenon dubbed “Web rot.” This clouds search results and complicates data collection for training AI models.
From "'Web Rot' Rising"
Axios (01/03/26) Sara Fischer
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Associated Press
President Donald Trump ordered the divestment of a $2.9-million computer chip and wafer fabrication deal, citing national security risks tied to its current ownership. An executive order requires HieFo Corp. to sell the technology it acquired from aerospace and defense firm Emcore Corp. within 180 days, after the administration said there was “credible evidence” that HieFo’s owner is a citizen of China. The transaction was completed in May 2024 under the previous administration.
From "Trump Orders Divestment in Chips Deal to Protect U.S. Security"
Associated Press (01/02/26)
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