October 2025 - Page 5 of 5

Digital IDs on the Rise: A Global Push Amid Privacy and Equity Concerns in 2025

Imagine a factory worker in rural Zambia, eager to claim government subsidies for her farm, only to find that the new digital ID system demands a smartphone she cannot afford and internet she cannot access. Her story echoes the frustrations of millions worldwide as digital barriers rise. In just three months, from July to October 2025, at least 17 countries have introduced or enacted digital ID laws, a pace that suggests coordinated urgency rather than organic progress. This includes the European Union, United Kingdom, Laos, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Zambia, Canada, Ethiopia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Papua New Guinea, with reports from major outlets confirming the trend. Governments point to these systems as tools for secure verification and efficient services, yet the rapid rollout raises questions: Why the haste? Who truly benefits when such technologies demand universal tech literacy?

Pasta Made with Steel Arms: Meta’s Robotic Kitchen Revolution

Imagine walking into a bustling tech giant’s cafeteria, the air thick with the scent of simmering curry and fresh greens, only to find no human chef in sight. Instead, a sleek machine with gleaming steel arms whirs to life, assembling your meal in minutes. This is the reality at Meta’s headquarters, where the CA-1 robot is redefining lunchtime for employees.

Beyond the Buzz: Rodney Brooks Reveals the Practical Path for AI and Robotics

In a world buzzing with visions of humanoid robots strolling through our homes and artificial intelligence reshaping every corner of society, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Billions of dollars flood into startups promising autonomous everything, from self-driving cars to AI companions that think like us. But what if the real revolution isn’t in flashy demos but in quiet, human-centered innovations that solve everyday problems? That’s the grounded perspective offered by Rodney Brooks, the legendary founder of iRobot, creator of the Roomba vacuum, and a veteran of robotics and AI. In a recent interview with tech journalist Om Malik, Brooks cuts through the hype, sharing insights from his decades-long career that blend optimism with realism. Drawing from his journey from a working-class kid in Australia to MIT professor and serial entrepreneur, Brooks argues that true progress in tech comes slowly, messily, and often in unsexy forms. His message? Humans will thrive alongside machines, but only if we temper expectations and focus on what actually works.

Europe’s Chat Control: A Frontal Attack on Freedom of Expression and Why Signal Warns of Digital Censorship

Imagine a world where your private messages are no longer private, scanned by algorithms under the guise of safety. That is the chilling reality Europe faces with its proposed chat control laws, and Signal, the gold standard for secure messaging, is sounding the alarm. Signal’s CEO, Meredith Whittaker, has declared that the company would exit the European market rather than compromise its encryption, highlighting a direct assault on freedom of expression and online privacy. This debate pits the promise of child protection against the perils of widespread surveillance in Europe, raising profound questions about digital censorship and the future of democratic rights.