Friday Afternoon ResearchBuzz, September 19, 2025
Greetings from the world of technology, culture, and beyond! Welcome to our weekly newsletter, where we dive into the latest news and trends from around the globe.
Dominican Republic: Unveiling the Culture
Google has announced a new partnership with the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute to launch a collection of stories about influential Dominican historical figures on Google Arts & Culture. The partnership aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic, featuring figures such as musician Santiago Cerón and Chef Persio Féliz.
Preserving the Legacy of Rabbi Norman Lamm
The Jewish Press has made available a treasure trove of previously unpublished sermons, correspondences, and essays by Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm (zt”l), a foundational figure in twentieth-century Modern Orthodoxy. The newly launched Lamm Legacy Project is a testament to the enduring legacy of this influential Jewish leader.
Microsoft's Forcing Installs: A New Era for Windows Users
Next month, Microsoft will begin automatically installing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows devices outside the European Economic Area (EEA) region that have the Microsoft 365 desktop client apps. This move marks a significant shift in how users interact with Microsoft's software, and it's essential to be aware of the implications for your device.
Google AI Workers Laid Off: A Cautionary Tale
Google has recently laid off about 200 Google contractors who helped moderate and improve AI products. This news comes as a reminder that even in the tech industry, automation and AI can have significant consequences for human workers.
The problem of AI-generated books has escalated, with librarians facing requests for fake book titles from real authors. This highlights the need for more robust systems to identify and prevent such incidents, ensuring that readers have access to authentic literary works.
Nigeria Pushes Digital Inclusion with New Initiative
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a data-driven approach to identify out-of-school children and adults across the country and enroll them in inclusive technology-powered learning programs. This initiative aims to bridge the nation's literacy gap and promote digital inclusion.
Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal File Joint Lawsuit Against Hailuo
The latest blockbuster AI lawsuit involves Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery teaming up against Chinese company MiniMax, owner of the generative AI app Hailuo. This lawsuit highlights the growing concerns over AI-generated content and its potential impact on intellectual property rights.
WP Engine and Automattic Ruling: What Does It Mean for You?
A recent ruling has dismissed two of WP Engine's claims against Automattic, but allowed several others to proceed. This development may have implications for website owners and users, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest legal developments.
Cloud Hacking Threat Sparks New Research into Countermeasures
Clemson University is conducting research into countermeasures for cloud hacking threats, specifically focusing on shared graphics processing units (GPU) security. This initiative aims to uncover hidden risks and design defenses to protect sensitive information from hackers.
Tackling AI Tools with Data Analysis: A Cautionary Tale
A recent experiment with AI tools for data analysis highlights the importance of understanding code and verifying results. These tools can be incredibly powerful, but they also require careful consideration and oversight to ensure accurate results.
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