Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Snapchat parent company cuts 1,000 jobs in major AI-driven workforce restructuring 

– The AI you use every day is biased — and it’s quietly shaping your worldview, new report says

– First-ever moratorium on AI data centers passes Maine legislature

TECH SHAKE-UP: Snapchat parent company cuts 1,000 jobs in major AI-driven workforce restructuring – Snapchat’s parent company, Snap, announced it is laying off approximately 1,000 employees—about 16% of its full-time workforce — as part of a major restructuring effort driven by the integration of artificial intelligence. The tech firm expects the cuts and AI-driven workflow efficiencies to yield over $500 million in annualized savings, following pressure from an activist investor to streamline operations and rein in costs.

CODED INFLUENCE: The AI you use every day is biased — and it’s quietly shaping your worldview, new report says – A new report from the America First Policy Institute reveals that popular artificial intelligence systems consistently lean left and possess a subtle ideological bias that can quietly shape users’ worldviews. The findings suggest that these hidden design choices not only reflect ideological assumptions but can actively persuade and influence public opinion on key political and social issues, raising transparency concerns over AI’s growing role in daily life.

TECH BOOM BRAKES: First-ever moratorium on AI data centers passes Maine legislature – Maine is poised to become the first state to impose a moratorium on large artificial intelligence data centers, advancing legislation that would pause approvals for hyperscale facilities requiring over 20 megawatts of power until October 2027. The move, which reflects growing national backlash over power grid strain and environmental impacts, will serve as a major test case for how states balance the massive energy demands of Big Tech with local economic and ecological concerns.

COPYCAT RISK: Molotov cocktail attack on Sam Altman’s home sparks fears of copycat strikes against tech executives – Following a predawn Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home, federal authorities are on high alert for copycat strikes against other high-profile tech executives. The suspect, Daniel Moreno-Gama, was motivated by anti-AI extremism and allegedly carried a manifesto listing additional AI executives and their addresses, prompting San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to pursue aggressive prosecution amid escalating rhetoric surrounding artificial intelligence.

EVOLVED HACKING: AI is now powering cyberattacks, Microsoft warns – According to a new report from Microsoft Threat Intelligence, cybercriminals and nation-state actors are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate and scale their cyberattacks. Hackers are using generative AI to write convincing phishing emails, build malicious infrastructure and dynamically generate malware, significantly lowering the technical barrier to entry for cybercrime and prompting calls for stronger digital security measures.

WATCH OUT: Is Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta AI getting too smart? – Meta has unveiled its foundational AI model, Muse Spark, equipping its Meta AI assistant with advanced multimodal capabilities like image comprehension and parallel task handling across apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Fox News Digital details that the upgrade is part of Mark Zuckerberg’s aggressive push toward a “personal superintelligence,” allowing the AI to seamlessly analyze photos, answer complex health queries, and simultaneously execute multi-step planning tasks.

OPINION: SEN BERNIE SANDERS: Artificial intelligence is coming for the working class. We must fight back – Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling for a federal moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers until strong safeguards are enacted to protect the working class from widespread job displacement. Sen. Sanders warns that AI oligarchs are deploying revolutionary technologies to replace human workers entirely, urging Congress to rethink the American social contract and ensure the AI boom benefits everyday citizens rather than just billionaires.

COSTLY CONVENIENCE: OPINION: AI tax filing sounds easy — until it leaves you owing the IRS thousands of dollars – While using AI chatbots like ChatGPT to file taxes may seem like a convenient shortcut, relying on them can lead to costly errors and severe IRS penalties due to the tools’ inability to accurately apply complex tax codes. Expert Hemant Bhargava cautions taxpayers to treat AI as a translator rather than a decision-maker, emphasizing that consumer AI systems frequently miscalculate liabilities and fail to securely handle highly sensitive financial data.

DIGITAL DOPPELGANGER: Meta reportedly building an AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with company employees – Meta is reportedly developing a photorealistic, artificial intelligence-powered version of CEO Mark Zuckerberg to interact directly with company employees, according to a recent report. Zuckerberg has been actively training the AI character on his own mannerisms and strategies to foster stronger internal connections, a move that aligns with the tech giant’s broader ambition to integrate “personal superintelligence” across its platforms.

MAJOR REVAMP: Allbirds drops sneakers, reinvents itself as an AI infrastructure company – San Francisco-based footwear brand Allbirds is abandoning its sneaker business to reinvent itself as an artificial intelligence infrastructure company called NewBird AI. The stunning pivot involves a $50 million convertible financing agreement to acquire high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs), aiming to meet the massive, unmet demand for AI cloud computing capacity among enterprise developers.

‘KEEP UP’: Reese Witherspoon warns AI is three times more likely to replace women – Actress Reese Witherspoon took to Instagram to urge women to embrace artificial intelligence, warning that jobs traditionally held by women are three times more likely to be automated by the emerging technology. Witherspoon’s concerns align with a recent UN study, and the Hollywood star is encouraging her followers to actively learn about AI so they aren’t left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

LATTE UPGRADE: Starbucks uses ChatGPT to suggest drinks based on mood as expert warns of hidden downsides – Starbucks has launched a beta integration with ChatGPT, allowing customers to receive customized beverage recommendations tailored to their mood, taste, and even the weather. Fox News Digital reports that while the AI tool offers a fun and highly personalized ordering experience, experts warn it could quietly manipulate consumer behavior by consistently nudging users toward sweeter, higher-calorie drinks that satisfy impulsive emotional cravings.

SPOT ON: AI could be coming for your wine as experts turn to technology for industry overhaul – Scientists have developed an AI-powered handheld sensor called RipenAI that uses machine learning and optical technology to instantly determine the ripeness of grapes directly on the vine. This revolutionary, non-destructive tool could transform the winemaking industry by optimizing harvest timing and improving the overall quality and efficiency of wine production.

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X
LinkedIn

SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

Fox News
Fox Business
Fox Weather
Fox Sports
Tubi

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Fox News Go

STREAM FOX NATION

Fox Nation

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements, and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

I am immensely grateful to Sam, Mark, Aditya and Jakub for fostering a research environment that allowed us to pursue ideas off-the-beaten path from the company’s mainline roadmap. It’s tempting in life to mode collapse to the most important thing, but cultivating entropy is the only way for a research lab to thrive long-term, and Sam deeply understands this. Sora was a project that could not have happened anywhere but OpenAI, and I will always deeply love this place for that.

For many people, games like Words With Friends are a relaxing way to pass the time. You play a few rounds, chat with opponents and enjoy a little mental exercise. But scammers have quietly turned these casual games into hunting grounds.

They look for players who appear friendly, are older, or are recently widowed. Then they start a conversation. At first, it feels harmless. A compliment. A friendly message. A question about where you live.

Weeks later, the conversation often shifts to money. Angela from Lake Mary, MN, recently wrote to us about a situation that has her entire family worried.

“My sister, who lost her Doctor husband of 56 years 1.5 years ago, is communicating with a man she met on an internet game, “Words with Friends”. She is buying him gift cards and giving him the number so he can cash them. My nephews took her to their local police dept and they told her it’s a scam! Dangerous and to STOP. She doesn’t believe anyone!!! Is there a way to find out where these emails and texts are coming from??? We are very concerned! Hope you have some advice.” Angela, Lake Mary, MN

Advertisement

Angela’s situation is heartbreaking. Sadly, it is also very common. Authorities consider these romance scams. They cost victims billions each year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams remain one of the most expensive fraud categories reported by consumers.

NEW FBI WARNING REVEALS PHISHING ATTACKS HITTING PRIVATE CHATS

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.

Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

How the Words With Friends scam usually begins

Scammers often start inside casual apps where conversation feels natural. Games like Words With Friends allow players to chat during matches. That simple feature creates the perfect entry point for criminals.

The pattern often follows the same steps. First, the scammer begins a friendly conversation during a game. Next, they ask to move the conversation to email, text or a messaging app. Then they begin building emotional trust. Many claim to be widowed, traveling for work or working overseas.

Eventually, a crisis appears. They claim they need help paying a bill, fixing a problem or buying supplies. Finally, they ask for money through gift cards. Once the gift card numbers are sent, the money is usually gone.

Why gift cards are a major warning sign

Gift cards are one of the biggest red flags in scams. Criminals prefer them because they are fast and difficult to trace. Once someone shares the numbers on the back of the card, the scammer can redeem the balance immediately.

There is almost no way to recover the money after that. Legitimate people do not ask strangers or online acquaintances for gift cards. If someone you met online asks for them, treat it as a serious warning sign.

Can you find where the emails or texts are coming from?

Angela asked whether it is possible to trace the messages. Sometimes it is. Often it is difficult. Scammers work hard to hide their identity and location.

They often use:

• VoIP numbers such as Google Voice
• Email accounts created specifically for scams
• VPN services that hide their true location

Because of this, a message may appear to come from the United States even if the scammer is overseas. Still, there are a few steps that can sometimes uncover clues.

Check the full email headers for clues

If the communication is happening by email, the full email header may reveal the route the message traveled. Headers sometimes contain the originating IP address. That address may show the country where the email began its journey.

Free tools such as Google’s Messageheader analyzer, MXToolbox and Microsoft’s Message Header Analyzer can break down email headers and show the path a message traveled across mail servers. 

While this information will not usually reveal the scammer’s true identity, it can sometimes indicate the network or country where the email originated. 

APPLE PAY TEXT SCAM ALMOST COST HER $15,000

Reverse search the photos

Romance scammers almost always steal photos from real people. Those photos often come from social media profiles or professional websites. You can upload the images to reverse search tools such as Google Images.

If the same photo appears under multiple names or accounts, that is strong evidence of a scam. Showing that proof sometimes helps victims reconsider what is happening.

Search the phone number or username

Another simple step is searching for the contact information online. Enter the phone number, email address or username along with words like scam or romance scam.

Many scammers reuse the same identity across multiple victims. In some cases, other people have already reported the same name or number. Finding those reports can help reveal the pattern.

Report the account inside the game

If the conversation began on Words With Friends, the account can be reported directly through the game. Companies investigate reports and often remove accounts involved in fraud.

That action will not always stop the scammer completely. However, it can prevent them from targeting additional players.

The hardest part of these scams

The emotional connection can be stronger than the evidence. Scammers spend weeks building trust. They learn about the victim’s life, their losses and their fears. Then they present themselves as someone who understands.

For someone who is grieving or lonely, that connection can feel very real. Experts often recommend approaching the situation carefully.

Avoid accusations or heated arguments. Instead, focus on protecting finances and calmly presenting evidence. 

Family members may also help by monitoring financial activity or encouraging a pause before sending money.

GOOGLE SEARCH LED TO A COSTLY SCAM CALL

How to stay safe from Words With Friends and romance scams

Romance scams continue to grow. A few practical steps can help reduce the risk.

1) Be cautious with strangers in online games

Friendly chat inside games can easily become manipulation. Be careful when strangers try to move the conversation elsewhere.

2) Never send gift cards to someone you met online

Gift cards are one of the most common tools used in scams. Treat any request for them as a warning sign.

3) Reverse search profile photos

Running a quick image search can reveal stolen photos used by scammers. 

4) Talk to family before sending money

A second opinion can stop a scam before it becomes expensive. 

5) Report scams to authorities

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Reports help investigators track organized criminal networks.

6) Keep conversations inside the game platform

Scammers almost always try to move the conversation to text, email or messaging apps. Staying inside the game platform makes it easier to report suspicious behavior.

7) Monitor credit and financial accounts

Some scammers eventually ask victims for personal details such as bank information or identification documents. Monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts can help detect suspicious activity early. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

8) Reduce how much personal information appears online

Scammers often research potential victims through people-search websites and public records. Limiting the personal details that appear online can make it harder for criminals 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.

9) Watch for sudden emergencies or travel stories

Romance scammers often claim they are working overseas, stuck on an oil rig or deployed in the military. These stories are designed to explain why they cannot meet in person.  

Kurt’s key takeaways

Angela’s story shows how easily these scams can begin. They often start in places that feel harmless. A simple word game. A friendly chat. A conversation that slowly becomes personal. By the time money enters the picture, the emotional bond may already feel strong. That is why families must focus on patience and protection. Helping someone step back from a scam can take time, but support and evidence can make a difference.

If a friendly opponent in a simple word game started messaging you every day, would you recognize the moment when the conversation turns into a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.