Technology

Hollywood has no idea what to do about AI

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2025

Hollywood has no idea what to do about AI

This is an excerpt of Sources by Alex Heath, a newsletter about AI and the tech industry, syndicated just for The Verge subscribers once a week.

This week, I got an up-close look at how far apart Silicon Valley and Hollywood are on what to do about AI.

First, at OpenAI DevDay, Sam Altman presented the new Sora app as a gift to content creators. If anything, he suggested, OpenAI was being too censorious by not allowing people to make even more kinds of AI videos.

“On the whole, creators, rights holders, people are very excited about the potential of this,” Altman said during a media Q&A in San Francisco on Monday that I attended. “They believe it will deepen connection. It’s kind of like a new generation of fanfiction.”

The next day, I arrived at Bloomberg’s Screentime event in Los Angeles to hear how media executives, agents, and studio heads felt about the AI meteor that’s heading their way. Sora had just hit 1 million downloads in the App Store and was top of mind for everyone. Altogether, I came away with the impression that Hollywood’s leaders still have no idea what to do about the risk AI poses, and they’re going to be steamrolled by technology that’s moving faster than they can comprehend.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison called AI a “new pencil” to create with

I lost count of how many times a version of the phrase “we care about copyright” was invoked at Screentime like a prayer. At the same time, no one at the event wanted to specifically address the fact that OpenAI clearly trained on their IP without permission and unleashed a product that, at least initially, had no shame in making that clear. The fact that Hollywood’s leaders are unable to share a public perspective on this issue, or more importantly, what they are going to do about it, should be alarming to everyone working in the business.

While onstage, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters completely dodged a question from Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw about Sora specifically, and instead waxed about the more boring ways that AI is being used throughout nearly every part of the production process. Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison also chose to tout the less controversial, tool-like aspect of AI, calling it a “new pencil” to create with. The only executive I heard come close to addressing the real issue on everyone’s minds was Warner Music CEO (and former YouTube exec) Robert Kyncl, who made clear that Warner’s content must be licensed to train on, and that there will be repercussions for those who don’t follow the rules.

It’s not surprising that the music industry has a stronger perspective than, say, the hemming and hawing about AI currently being done by the big talent agencies. The labels are better positioned to take on AI companies as a consolidated group of players who have navigated a version of this problem before with the rise of music streaming. Kyncl went so far as to predict that AI will benefit the music industry long-term, similar to how YouTube eventually solved its copyright problem and evolved into a major distribution platform for the entertainment industry.

He may be right about music specifically, but the lack of collective action from the rest of Hollywood means that the AI companies are poised to keep getting away with asking for forgiveness instead of permission. OpenAI’s decision to train Sora in this manner was a deliberate choice, not an accident, and it showed a complete lack of regard for the implications of sucking up everyone’s content to feed its AI. Altman is simply following the same playbook the tech industry has used in the past to achieve dominance, so who can blame him this time?

Technology

Hackers leak children’s data in major nursery breach

Published

2 hours ago

October 10, 2025

Press Room

Hackers leak children’s data in major nursery breach

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Over the past few years, data breaches targeting schools, healthcare providers, and childcare services have been making headlines, exposing sensitive personal information and leaving families vulnerable. Now, a new breach has come to light that targets a nursery chain. Kido, which operates in the U.S., U.K., China and India, has reportedly had sensitive data stolen from thousands of children. Names, photos, addresses, birthdates, parental details and even safeguarding notes and medical records were allegedly accessed by a hacker group called Radiant.

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The incident highlights how stolen data threatens not just privacy but also long-term child safety. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about nursery breach

According to reports, the hacker group Radiant claims to have stolen data related to around 8,000 children. To prove possession, they posted samples, including pictures and profiles of ten children, on a darknet website. They then issued a ransom demand, threatening to release more sensitive information unless Kido paid. In addition to targeting the nursery chain directly, Radiant reportedly called some of the children’s parents, pressuring them to push Kido into paying the ransom.

FBI WARNS ABOUT NEW EXTORTION SCAM TARGETING SENSITIVE DATA

When questioned about their actions, the group defended their tactics as a form of “penetration testing” for which they supposedly deserved compensation. This defense is misleading, as such testing requires explicit permission from the organization being targeted or participation in an official bug bounty program. Without that consent, these actions are illegal and deeply unethical.

A hacker types on a red, glowing keyboard.

Hackers exploited children’s data in the Kido breach, exposing families to serious risks. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why is this attack so disturbing?

The Kido breach is alarming for multiple reasons. First, it involves children’s data, which is particularly sensitive and legally protected in most countries. Second, the attackers combined traditional data theft with intimidation tactics, reaching out to parents directly. History suggests that once criminals gain access to such information, the attacks can escalate.

Breaches like this highlight how personal and digital security are intertwined. The potential misuse of data extends beyond simple identity theft. It can impact children’s safety, family privacy and long-term well-being. With attackers leveraging both the stolen data and psychological pressure on parents, the threat is particularly potent and long-lasting.

A hacker types in a code terminal on a MacBook.

Parents reported being directly contacted by attackers, showing how intimidation adds to the harm. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 steps parents can take to protect their child’s data

Even though the investigation into the Kido breach is ongoing, parents and schools can take immediate action to protect children’s data and reduce the risk of further exploitation. Here’s a detailed guide:

1) Monitor your child’s online accounts regularly

Log in to email, school portals and cloud storage accounts linked to your child. Look for unusual activity such as unrecognized logins, changes to passwords or new connected devices. Set up notifications for account activity whenever possible so you are alerted instantly if something suspicious happens.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts

Adding 2FA creates an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker has a password, they won’t be able to access the account without the second verification step. Most email providers, school portals and messaging platforms support this, and it’s a simple step that dramatically improves security.

3) Consider a personal data removal service

Data broker sites often collect names, addresses and other personal details that hackers can use. Services that remove your child’s information from these databases can make it harder for attackers to find and exploit sensitive data.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com/FreeScan

THINK YOU’RE SAFE? IDENTITY THEFT COULD WIPE OUT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS

4) Use identity theft protection services

These services can continuously scan for your child’s personal information online and alert you if their data appears on suspicious websites or the dark web. This early warning allows you to take action before criminals attempt to exploit it.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at CyberGuy.com/IdentityTheft

5) Install antivirus software on all devices

A strong antivirus program protects devices from malware, phishing scams, and suspicious scripts. It is particularly important on devices that children use to access school portals or personal accounts. This ensures that if a hacker tries to use malware to get deeper access, it is blocked.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

6) Use a secure mail provider for sensitive communications

For communications with schools, healthcare providers or any service handling sensitive information about children, consider using an email service that offers strong encryption and built-in protection against spoofing. This makes it harder for attackers to impersonate a school or parent.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit CyberGuy.com/Mail

7) Educate your children about online safety

Teach children not to share personal information online, including photos, addresses or school details. Encourage them to report anything suspicious and explain why it’s important to keep login information private.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Data breaches targeting children are particularly concerning because they can have long-lasting consequences. The Kido incident is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive digital security measures for families. While organizations bear responsibility for protecting sensitive data, parents can take significant steps to monitor, secure and respond to potential threats.

Have you ever reviewed what personal information about your child is online? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Copilot on Windows can now create Office documents and connect to Gmail

Published

13 hours ago

October 10, 2025

Press Room

Copilot on Windows can now create Office documents and connect to Gmail

Microsoft is updating its Copilot app on Windows to allow it to create documents from a chat session and connect to Gmail and Outlook accounts. The updated Copilot app is rolling out initially to all Windows Insiders, ahead of a general release to all Windows 11 users.

Copilot on Windows can now create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs all from the chat interface. “With just a prompt, you can instantly turn ideas, notes, and data into shareable and editable documents with no extra steps or tools required,” explains Microsoft’s Copilot team. “And for responses with 600 characters or more, Copilot also includes a default export button that lets you send text directly to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or PDF.”

You’ll also be able to link Copilot to Outlook or Gmail accounts, so the AI assistant can surface content from your online accounts. You could then ask Copilot to find all invoices from a company in your inbox, or pull up the email address for a contact.

This is an opt-in feature and you’ll have to explicitly link an Outlook or Google account in the connectors section of the app. You can connect OneDrive, Outlook, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts. It’s similar to the Google Drive and Dropbox integration that OpenAI launched in ChatGPT earlier this year.

The updated Copilot app on Windows arrives ahead of a new OneDrive app that Microsoft is set to release next year. The overhauled OneDrive Windows app will include a new gallery view, AI-powered slideshows, and editing features.

Technology

Teens hack school cell phone bans with creative workarounds

Published

14 hours ago

October 10, 2025

Press Room

Teens hack school cell phone bans with creative workarounds

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Across the country, schools are cracking down on cell phone use. At least 18 states have rolled out bell-to-bell bans, with New York calling phones “distraction devices.” Teachers are praising the shift, saying classes feel more focused. But teens? They’re not giving up so easily.

Students are sidestepping bans in the most millennial-inspired way possible, turning Google Docs into digital chat rooms. With laptops open, it looks like they’re working on assignments. In reality, they’re typing messages back and forth in real time, just like an old-school AOL chat room.

SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

Students secretly turn Google Docs into real-time chatrooms. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A creative workaround for school cell phone bans

Parents and teachers admit the workaround is clever. One teacher said she respects her students’ determination to stay connected and even acknowledged that the phone ban has improved behavior and focus in class. Still, she worries that turning Google Docs into chat rooms could open the door to bullying or cheating. Parents are also weighing in. One parent told CyberGuy that some kids in their district are buying MacBooks just so they can text each other through iMessage. Others, the parent added, are leaning on email threads or even old-school Post-It notes to keep the conversation alive.

A girl writes at a table in front of an open laptop.

Teens share their classroom hacks on TikTok with pride. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Social media reaction

On TikTok, students proudly show off their “secret” Docs conversations. Captions range from playful, “Your cell phone rule was never going to stop me,” to defiant: “Can’t ever silence us, queens.” The creativity is earning laughs from older generations who remember the days before smartphones. But the trend is also stirring debate. Some parents see it as a harmless way for kids to adapt, while others worry it undermines the entire point of the ban. Educators are split too, amused by the ingenuity, yet frustrated that students are still finding ways to drift off task during lessons. The viral clips prove one thing for sure: when it comes to tech, today’s teens will always find a workaround.

Some kids buy MacBooks to keep texting through iMessage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Parent tips for navigating school cell phone bans

If your child’s school has adopted a phone ban, there are a few ways you can help them adjust while keeping communication open and safe:

Talk about the rules at home: Explain why schools are putting these bans in place and set expectations for how your child should behave with laptops and other devices.
Offer safe communication plans: Work with your child and the school to establish how you’ll contact each other in case of an emergency. Some districts allow phones in lockers or require them to stay powered off in backpacks.
Encourage balance: Remind your child that downtime from screens can actually help them focus better in class and relax during the school day.
Monitor alternatives: Keep an eye on how your child uses tools like Google Docs, email or messaging apps. What starts as chatting with friends can sometimes veer into bullying or cheating.
Be open to feedback: Ask your child how the ban is affecting their school day. Their perspective can help you understand where the real challenges and benefits are showing up.

TEENS AND PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING: WHY THIS DEADLY HABIT PERSISTS

What this means for you

If you’re a parent, this shows just how inventive kids can be when rules are put in place. Cell phone bans may cut down on scrolling, but students are quickly shifting to other tools. They’re chatting through shared Google Docs, buying MacBooks so they can iMessage during class, swapping notes over email, and even sticking to old-school Post-Its to stay in touch. While some of these workarounds seem harmless, they also carry risks, from distractions that take focus away from learning to new opportunities for bullying or even cheating. For teachers, it’s a reminder that managing distractions in the classroom goes beyond phone policies. Laptops, messaging apps, and even simple sticky notes can become back doors for the same behaviors schools are trying to limit.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone bans are reshaping the school day, and educators are already seeing benefits. Yet students are proving they’ll always find ways to connect, whether through phones, laptops or even retro workarounds that echo the early internet era.

What do you think? Are these bans helping kids learn better, or are they simply pushing students to get sneakier with tech? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact