Author: Joseph Michael

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with relevant stakeholders, has trained 100 youths in Gombe State on artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills and promote participation in the country’s growing technology-driven economy. The training programme is designed to equip young people with practical knowledge of emerging technologies, focusing on data-driven decision-making, digital literacy, and the application of AI tools in modern workplaces. According to organisers, the initiative forms part of broader interventions aimed at building human capacity, supporting innovation, and preparing Nigerian youths for opportunities in the global…

Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered anti-corruption system to improve transparency and monitor public projects across the country. The agency presented the initiative during the 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where delegates discussed the growing role of technology in strengthening governance and combating corruption. According to the ICPC, the platform combines artificial intelligence with geospatial technology to track and monitor government-funded projects in real time. Officials said the system is designed to help detect irregularities, identify abandoned projects and improve oversight…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence systems could pose serious risks to global financial stability, with the potential to trigger widespread systemic disruptions across banking, payments, and capital markets if not properly controlled. In its latest assessment, the IMF said new generations of AI models, particularly those capable of generating code, reasoning through complex systems, and automating cyber operations, could significantly increase the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting financial institutions. It warned that this development could weaken the resilience of a global financial system that is already heavily dependent on interconnected digital…

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company headquartered in San Francisco, United States, has launched new voice intelligence features within its application programming interface, expanding its real-time audio capabilities for developers building conversational artificial intelligence systems. The update introduces a new set of models designed to enhance how AI systems understand, process, and respond to spoken language in real time. These include a real-time voice reasoning model, a live speech translation model, and a streaming speech-to-text model. The tools are intended to support continuous voice conversations, multilingual communication, and instant transcription of spoken input. The real-time voice reasoning model is designed to…

OpenAI has begun rolling out ChatGPT 5.5 Instant as the new default model for its chatbot, replacing the earlier 5.3 Instant version in what the company describes as a broad update to improve everyday performance, accuracy, and conversational quality. In a blog post announcing the change, OpenAI said GPT-5.5 Instant is now being deployed to all users. The model is positioned as a follow-up to GPT-5.5, released in April, and continues the company’s “Instant” line designed for fast, general-purpose responses. As part of the rollout, GPT-5.5 Instant replaces GPT-5.3 Instant, which will remain available to paid users for a limited…

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in the United States that accused the tech giant of misleading iPhone buyers over the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) features, particularly enhancements to its Siri voice assistant. The proposed settlement, which still requires court approval, applies to millions of U.S. consumers who purchased certain iPhone models marketed with advanced AI capabilities that were not fully delivered at launch. The lawsuit centred on Apple’s promotion of its “Apple Intelligence” platform during 2024, when the company advertised a more personalised, AI-powered version of Siri. Plaintiffs argued that the marketing…

PayPal is leaning heavily into artificial intelligence as part of a broader strategy to reposition itself as a “technology company again”, signalling a major internal transformation driven by automation, cloud computing, and cost efficiency. Speaking during its recent earnings call, the company’s leadership outlined plans to embed AI across nearly every layer of its operations, from software development and engineering workflows to customer service, fraud detection, and risk management. The move is designed to modernise PayPal’s infrastructure and increase productivity at a time when the firm is under pressure from rivals and slowing growth in parts of its core business.…

The United States has set out a more coordinated vision for artificial intelligence through the launch of AI.gov, a federal platform intended to bring together policy, innovation and public engagement under a single framework. The move reflects a growing recognition in Washington that artificial intelligence is no longer a niche area of research, but a central pillar of economic strength, national security and global influence. While the United States has long been a leader in AI development, much of that progress has been driven by private companies and academic institutions rather than a unified national strategy. AI.gov appears to be…

Spotify has unveiled a new “Verified” artist label system as part of its response to the rapid rise of AI-generated music on its platform, marking a significant step in how digital streaming services address authenticity and trust. The company confirmed that the labels will appear as a visible badge on selected artist profiles, indicating that the account has met Spotify’s verification criteria. The move is intended to help users distinguish between artists with a confirmed real-world presence and those that may be entirely AI-generated or otherwise lack clear attribution. In a statement released through its official newsroom, Spotify described the…

Google is rolling out its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant to millions of vehicles worldwide, marking one of the company’s most significant upgrades to in-car technology yet. The rollout will see Gemini integrated into cars equipped with Google-built-in systems and Android Auto, gradually replacing the existing Google Assistant with a more advanced, conversational AI designed to make driving interactions more natural and intuitive. The announcement was confirmed by Google in a blog post and highlighted in its latest Android for Cars platform update. The company said the move is part of its broader strategy to bring generative AI into everyday environments,…