United News of Bangladesh

Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic on Wednesday announced a $50 billion investment to expand its computing infrastructure, including new data centers in Texas and New York. Microsoft also revealed progress on a major data center project in Atlanta, Georgia, which it said will be linked to another facility in Wisconsin to form a “massive supercomputer” powered by hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips. Apple removes two major gay dating apps in China following government order The announcements underscore the tech industry’s continued push to build large-scale, energy-intensive AI infrastructure despite concerns about financial risks, environmental impact, and surging local electricity costs. Anthropic, developer of the Claude chatbot, said the investment—made in partnership with London-based Fluidstack—will create about 800 permanent and 2,400 construction jobs. Microsoft’s new “Fairwater 2” center will bolster its own AI services as well as those of OpenAI and other developers. Source: AP

Apple has removed two of China’s most popular gay dating platforms, Blued and Finka, from its app store in the country following an order from Chinese authorities — marking another step in Beijing’s tightening restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community. In a statement, an Apple spokesperson confirmed that the removal was made “based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China,” without providing further details. “We follow the laws in the countries where we operate,” the spokesperson told The Associated Press. A review by the AP on Tuesday showed that both apps were no longer available on Apple’s China app store, although an “express” version of Blued could still be found. The difference between the full and express versions, or whether Android versions remain accessible, was not immediately clear. Apple said Blued was available “only in China,” while Finka’s developer had already “elected to remove the app” from markets outside the country earlier this year. Another popular gay dating app, Grindr, was also removed from Apple’s Chinese app store in 2022. Despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1997, China’s LGBTQ+ community has come under mounting pressure, with several advocacy groups forced to shut down and activism facing increasing restrictions. Apple removes ICE-tracking app after US pressure Both Blued and Finka are owned by BlueCity, a China-based company serving the LGBTQ+ community domestically and abroad. BlueCity was delisted from the Nasdaq in 2022 after going private. Last year, Apple similarly removed messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese app store following directives from the same government agency. “Among all foreign tech companies serving Chinese users, Apple is likely the most compliant with China’s internet regulations,” said George Chen, a partner and digital practice co-chair at The Asia Group. He noted that Apple “seldom challenges the government’s takedown orders, as the Chinese market — especially iPhone sales — remains too significant for the company.” Source: AP

Watchdog group Public Citizen has called on OpenAI to withdraw its AI video generation app Sora 2, warning that it poses serious risks to privacy, democracy, and public safety due to its potential misuse for creating deepfakes and non-consensual content. In a letter sent Tuesday to OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, the Washington-based nonprofit accused the company of showing a “reckless disregard” for product safety by rushing Sora to market without proper safeguards. The group also shared its concerns with the U.S. Congress, saying the app undermines people’s control over their likeness and could destabilize democratic trust in visual media. “Sora represents a growing threat to democracy,” said Public Citizen’s tech policy advocate J.B. Branch. “We’re entering a world where people can’t really trust what they see.” The Sora app, launched on iPhones last month and recently on Android in several countries, allows users to create realistic AI-generated videos from text prompts. Critics say the platform has already been misused for harassment and spreading fake visuals, despite OpenAI’s restrictions on nudity and depictions of public figures. Following public outcry, OpenAI has struck agreements with the families of Martin Luther King Jr. and actor Bryan Cranston to prevent “disrespectful depictions” and announced new safeguards. However, Branch said the company often acts “only after outrage,” arguing such measures should have been in place before launch. OpenAI also faces multiple lawsuits in California alleging its chatbot ChatGPT contributed to psychological harm and suicides. Public Citizen said both cases show a “pattern” of prioritizing rapid expansion over user safety.

The BBC was thrown into turmoil Monday following the sudden resignations of two senior executives over the editing of a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump — an incident that critics say has plunged the broadcaster into an “existential crisis.” The century-old, publicly funded British institution came under fire after its flagship news program edited together segments of Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech in a way that appeared to show him urging his supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell.” BBC Chairman Samir Shah apologized for what he called an “error of judgment.” Trump’s legal team threatened to sue, demanding a retraction and compensation for the “false and defamatory” broadcast. The scandal has reignited debate over whether the BBC — long seen as a cornerstone of British journalism — can maintain its impartiality in an era of political polarization. “This is an existential crisis for the BBC,” said Julie Posetti, a journalism professor at City St. George’s University of London. She warned that the corporation’s quick concessions could embolden those seeking to intimidate or discredit public service media. Allegations of BiasThe controversy erupted after the Daily Telegraph published details from an internal BBC memo criticizing the Panorama program’s handling of Trump’s speech. The documentary, aired just before the 2024 U.S. election, stitched together quotes from two separate parts of Trump’s remarks — nearly an hour apart — omitting lines in which he urged peaceful protest. The BBC’s Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness resigned Sunday amid the backlash. Shah acknowledged that the editing created “the impression of a direct call for violent action.” Turness admitted mistakes but denied claims of institutional bias — a stance echoed by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaked memo also accused the broadcaster of showing favoritism on transgender and Israel-related issues, fueling long-standing right-wing claims of bias within the BBC. Political and Public ReactionTrump responded on social media, accusing BBC journalists of being “corrupt” and trying to “tip the scales” of the U.S. election. The White House press secretary shared headlines portraying Trump as “at war with fake news BBC.” In Britain, right-wing politicians seized on the controversy. Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage declared the BBC “institutionally biased for decades,” while conservative columnist Charles Moore said the corporation habitually reflected “a metropolitan, left-wing worldview.” The BBC has also faced criticism from across the political spectrum for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and other sensitive topics. Posetti, however, argued that the BBC remains one of the world’s most trusted media outlets. “It’s wrong to label it ‘fake news’ when it clearly isn’t,” she said, though she added that the organization should have addressed the editing issue “clearly and transparently.” Legal Threats from TrumpTrump’s warning of legal action mirrors previous lawsuits against major U.S. networks. In recent years, he has reached multimillion-dollar settlements with CBS’s 60 Minutes and ABC News over allegedly misleading edits and statements. The BBC’s Funding and FutureThe BBC is financed by a £174.50 ($230) annual television license fee paid by all U.K. households with a TV. It is legally required to remain impartial and independent under its royal charter, though it is not controlled by the government. Founded in the 1920s and affectionately nicknamed “Auntie,” the BBC has long been considered a national institution. It operates the BBC World Service in over 40 languages and produces popular shows such as Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Traitors. However, with its charter up for renewal soon, critics are questioning whether the license fee model is sustainable amid competition from streaming platforms and declining public trust. Farage warned that the recent crisis could accelerate public disillusionment: “If the BBC doesn’t get its act together, millions will simply refuse to pay the license fee.”  

China has introduced a new K-visa program aimed at attracting skilled professionals in science and technology, in a move seen as a direct challenge to the United States’ dominance in recruiting global tech talent. For Indian IT expert Vaishnavi Srinivasagopalan, who has worked in both India and the U.S., the K-visa could open new career opportunities in China. “It’s like China’s version of America’s H-1B visa,” she said, adding that the new pathway makes working abroad easier for people like her. Beijing unveiled the K-visa last month as part of a broader push to strengthen its innovation base and close the talent gap with the U.S. Unlike China’s existing R-visa, the K-visa doesn’t require applicants to have a job offer before applying, making it more flexible and appealing to international professionals. The rollout comes amid tightening U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, including sharply increased H-1B visa fees, which have made the U.S. less attractive to many foreign students and workers. Tech giants woo millions of Indians with free AI tools to tap future market Experts say Beijing is seizing the moment to project itself as an open destination for skilled workers and investors. “China sees the U.S. immigration squeeze as a golden opportunity to welcome global talent,” said Barbara Kelemen of Dragonfly, a security intelligence firm. However, the move has stirred debate at home, where youth unemployment remains high. Some young Chinese job seekers fear foreign professionals might add to the competition. Despite these concerns, analysts say China’s efforts to lure overseas experts reflect its determination to lead in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and robotics. Source: AP 

Global tech companies are offering premium artificial intelligence (AI) tools to millions of Indians for free, viewing it as a long-term investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Starting this week, millions of Indian users will get a year of free access to ChatGPT’s new low-cost “Go” chatbot. The move follows similar offers from Google and Perplexity AI, which recently tied up with leading Indian telecom operators to distribute their AI services. Perplexity partnered with Airtel, India’s second-largest mobile network, while Google joined hands with Reliance Jio, the country’s biggest operator, to offer free or discounted AI tools bundled with monthly data packs. Analysts say these offers are not acts of generosity but calculated efforts to build user habits and loyalty in a massive market. “The plan is to get Indians hooked on generative AI before asking them to pay for it,” Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, told the BBC. India’s open and competitive digital market, unlike China’s tightly controlled environment, makes it an attractive testing ground for global tech firms. With over 900 million internet users — most under 24 — and some of the world’s cheapest data, India provides scale, youth, and diversity that help train AI models more effectively. “AI use cases from India will serve as valuable examples for the rest of the world,” Pathak added. “The more first-hand data companies gather, the better their generative AI systems become.” However, experts have raised privacy concerns. “Most users have always been willing to give up data for convenience or something free — that will continue,” said Delhi-based technology writer Prasanto K. Roy. “This is where the government must step in.” India currently lacks a dedicated AI law, though the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023 provides a broad framework for data and privacy regulation. The act has not yet been implemented, and its detailed rules remain pending. Mahesh Makhija, technology consulting leader at Ernst & Young, said that once enforced, the law could become “one of the most advanced from a digital privacy perspective.” For now, India’s flexible regulatory climate allows OpenAI, Google, and others to roll out free AI services — a strategy difficult to replicate in regions like the European Union or South Korea, where strict rules on transparency and data use apply. Experts say India must strengthen user awareness and regulatory safeguards but without stifling innovation. “We need light-touch regulation for now,” Roy said, “but that must evolve as potential harms become clearer.” Industry observers believe these free offerings mirror India’s earlier digital revolution driven by cheap internet data. Even if only a small fraction of users later subscribe to paid versions, companies could still gain millions of paying customers. “Even if just 5% of free users convert to paid subscribers, that’s still a huge number,” Pathak said.   With inputs from BBC

As winter is approaching, chilled water can cause colds and respiratory-related diseases. Using a geyser (water heater) at home can provide relief to your family members during the winter months. However, finding a standard home water heater (geyser) at a reasonable price can feel tricky. Doing market research and following customer opinions, we have picked some dependable options from reputed local and international home-electronics brands. Let’s take a look at some renowned home geyser (water heater) models available in Bangladeshi markets ranging from 10 to 60 litres, priced within BDT 15,000 in 2025-26. 11 Well-known Geyser (Water Heater) Models for Bangladeshi Homes This Winter . RFL Electric Geyser ROBAST 10L When you need a small, powerhouse geyser, the RFL Electric Geyser ROBAST 10L is here. Priced around BDT 7,400, it is a fantastic option. Its 10-litre capacity and 2000 W element heat water quickly without draining your electricity. The durable ABS body, enamel-coated tank, and insulation keep it efficient. Perfect for kitchens or small baths, it even includes an auto-stop function, temperature control, and a 2-year service warranty for peace of mind.   Midea 30-Litre Geyser (D30-15A6) The Midea 30L Geyser (D30-15A6) is a premium option for Bangladeshi households, priced at BDT 11,300. Known for its 3-layer sapphire enamel inner tank, it ensures 100% leak-proof durability and long life. With a 1500W copper heating element, polyurethane insulation, and precise thermal cut-out, it delivers efficient, safe heating.  Read more: How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain It also includes anti-dry heating protection and free installation within Dhaka city. Midea offers a 3-year heating element and 5-year body warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind. RFL Electric Geyser Roland 30L Digital TG The RFL Electric Geyser Roland 30L Digital TG is a popular, budget-friendly water heater in Bangladesh, priced at BDT 11,700. It offers a 30-litre capacity, 2000W power, and a smart digital LED display for easy control.  Featuring triple safety protection, an auto-stop function, and a blue diamond enamel-coated tank for durability, it ensures reliable performance. With PUF insulation for energy efficiency and a 2-year warranty, this geyser is an excellent choice for modern households seeking comfort and safety.   Walton WG-CRYSTAL 30L The Walton WG-Crystal 30L Geyser is a stylish and efficient water heater, ideal for medium-sized Bangladeshi families. With a 30-litre capacity and 2000W power, it ensures rapid and consistent heating. It is priced at BDT 13,900. The enamel-coated water tank, magnesium anode, and CFC-free polyurethane insulation provide durability and energy efficiency.  Read more: How to Identify a Genuine Pashmina Shawl Safety is ensured with thermal cut-out protection, overheat prevention, and a flow-back-proof design. Offering a 1-year warranty on main parts, spare parts, and service, it is a dependable choice for everyday comfort.  Marcel MG-Crystal 30L The Marcel MG-Crystal 30L Geyser is a reliable and energy-efficient water heater, ideal for medium-sized Bangladeshi families. Priced at BDT 13,900 and with a 30-litre capacity along with a 7.5-bar pressure rating, it ensures steady hot water flow.  The enamel-coated water tank and magnesium anode offer excellent corrosion resistance, while the CFC-free polyurethane insulation maintains water temperature longer. Equipped with overheat protection, a thermal cut-out, and a dual-colour indicator lamp, it guarantees safe operation and consistent heating for everyday household needs.  Haier 40-Litre Horizontal Geyser (ES40H-CK3) The Haier 40 Litre Horizontal Geyser (ES40H-CK3) is a durable and energy-efficient water heater, priced at BDT 11,400. It features a 40-litre capacity, 2200 W power, and a three-layer Ultra Micro Coating (UMC) tank for superior corrosion protection. The Incoloy 800 stainless steel heating element ensures 97.9% faster heating, while the magnesium rod extends tank life.  Read more: Winter Care Essentials for Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Warm and Healthy With TTS twin-sensor technology, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating. Designed for high-rise apartments, it withstands 8-bar pressure and includes free installation. Backed by a 4-year heating element warranty and 7-year tank warranty, this model guarantees long-lasting performance and safe, reliable comfort.  Rangs Geyser 45 Liter (Water Heater) (REG-45GL) The Rangs Geyser 45 Litre (REG-45GL) is an excellent budget-friendly choice for Bangladeshi households, priced at BDT 9,900. It offers a 45-litre capacity with a 2000W heating element and adjustable temperature control for efficient performance.  Designed with a blue diamond enamel-coated inner tank and magnesium anode, it ensures corrosion resistance and durability. The geyser includes PU insulation, child safety features, and auto-stop protection for added security. With a 2-year warranty on both the heating element and service, it is a reliable option for family use.  Gazi Geyser 45Y2B - 45 Litre The Gazi Geyser 45Y2B (45 litres) is a dependable and efficient water heater, priced at BDT 12,900, making it a great choice. With a 45-litre capacity and 2000 W power, it ensures fast heating and consistent temperature up to 75°C.  Read more: 10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children Designed with multi-directional mounting, side inlet/outlet, and IPX4 waterproof protection, it offers flexibility and safety. The adjustable thermostat and pilot lamp indicators add convenience. Backed by a 1-year warranty covering service and spare parts, it ensures comfort and peace of mind.  Vision Electric geyser Royal 50L Vertical TG The Vision Electric Geyser Royal 50L Vertical TG is a premium yet affordable choice. With a 50-litre capacity and 2000 W power, it delivers efficient heating for large families. Designed with a blue diamond enamel-coated tank, stainless steel heating element, and magnesium anode, it ensures durability and corrosion resistance.  The geyser includes triple safety protection, a thermometer display, and an auto-stop function for added convenience. Backed by a 2-year warranty, it combines performance, safety, and reliability perfectly. The geyser is priced at BDT 15,000. DEWANCO 50 Liter ABS Special Defender Geyser/Water Heater The DewanCo 50-Litre ABS Special Defender Geyser is an affordable and efficient water heater, priced at BDT 5,400, ideal for large Bangladeshi families. With a 50-litre capacity and 1500W Italian heating element, it ensures reliable heating and durability.  Read more: 10 Tasty Drinks to Boost Kids' Immunity This Winter The geyser features automatic thermal cut-off, fireproof glass wool insulation, and a rust-proof ABS body for enhanced safety. Its heavy-duty 7-bar tank maintains consistent pressure, providing warm water for up to 8 hours. Backed by a 5-year parts replacement guarantee, it is an excellent budget-friendly choice.  Shameem Tropica 67.5 Liter Standard Floor Type  The Shameem Tropica 67.5-litre standard floor-type geyser is a high-capacity, budget-friendly option for large households, priced at BDT 10,000. Featuring a silver-coated copper immersion heating element and glass wool insulation, it ensures fast, efficient heating and long-lasting durability.  The adjustable thermostat (30°–80°C) allows precise temperature control, while the pressure relief valve enhances safety. With a 1500W power rating and automatic power system, this geyser offers reliable performance and comes with a 2-year parts replacement warranty for peace of mind.  Final Words Choosing the right geyser (water heater), ranging from 10 to 60 litres, priced within 15000 taka from the Bangladeshi markets, is easier with reliable brands like Haier, Walton, Vision, RFL, Marcel, and Midea. These models combine safety, energy efficiency, and durability to meet diverse household needs, ensuring consistent hot water, long-term performance, and excellent value for your family. Read more: 10 Best Winter Teas to Fight Cold and Flu

realme’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, the C85 Pro, makes a bold statement with its combination of durability, display quality, and battery performance, setting new standards in its segment. Following its official launch on November 5, the C85 Pro positions itself as a device designed for users facing Bangladesh’s unpredictable weather, outdoor activities, or heavy daily usage. The phone succeeds the popular C75, delivering major upgrades in almost every aspect.  

Denmark’s government announced plans Friday to ban social media access for anyone under the age of 15, marking one of the toughest measures yet by a European country to shield children from harmful online content and corporate influence. Under the proposal, parents could be granted permission — after a formal assessment — to allow children as young as 13 to use social media. The government has yet to detail how the restriction would be enforced, though officials acknowledge that existing age limits on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have proven easy to bypass. Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage said the move aims to curb the growing risks children face in a highly digitalized world. “Ninety-four percent of Danish children under 13 have profiles on at least one social platform, and more than half of those under 10 do,” she told The Associated Press. “The amount of violence and self-harm children are exposed to online is an unacceptable risk,” Stage said. While calling Big Tech firms “some of the greatest companies in the world,” she criticized them for failing to protect young users: “They have enormous resources but are simply not willing to invest in children’s safety.” Careful Legislation and Tough Enforcement The law is not expected to take effect immediately, as lawmakers across party lines work out enforcement mechanisms. “We’ll move quickly, but we must do it right,” Stage said. “There can be no loopholes for the tech giants to exploit.” Denmark’s plan follows Australia’s 2024 legislation, which made it illegal for children under 16 to access social media and imposed fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million) for companies that fail to comply. Stage said Denmark will rely on its national electronic ID system, which nearly all citizens over 13 already use, and a forthcoming age-verification app. While tech companies cannot be forced to adopt the Danish app, they will be legally required to verify users’ ages. Platforms that fail to comply could face EU penalties of up to 6% of their global revenue. Protecting Children from Digital Harm The Danish government emphasized that the initiative is not meant to disconnect children from digital life, but to protect them from toxic content and online pressure. “Children and young people lose sleep, concentration, and peace of mind due to constant digital engagement,” the ministry said in a statement. “This is not a problem parents or teachers can solve alone.” Other countries have taken similar steps. China limits minors’ gaming and smartphone time, and in France, prosecutors recently opened an investigation into TikTok for allegedly promoting suicide-related content through its algorithms. The EU’s Digital Services Act, in force since 2023, already bans users under 13 from holding social media accounts, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Platforms such as TikTok and Meta (Instagram, Facebook) use AI-based facial analysis to estimate users’ ages, though the methods have been criticized as unreliable. In an emailed response, TikTok said it supports Denmark’s goals: “We have developed more than 50 safety features for teen accounts and tools like Family Pairing to help guardians manage content and screen time. We look forward to constructive collaboration on industry-wide solutions.” Meta did not respond to a request for comment. Minister Stage said Denmark has given tech companies ample time to act on child safety. “They’ve had many chances to fix this themselves,” she said. “Since they haven’t, we will now take control — and ensure our children’s digital futures are safe.”

Realme has launched its highly anticipated C85 Pro smartphone in Bangladesh, touted as the segment’s brightest and most water-resistant phone. The new device follows the legacy of the realme C75, the category's first officially waterproof smartphone. Pre-booking for the realme C85 Pro was open from November 5 to 7 at all realme brand stores and official reseller outlets nationwide. Customers who pre-book will receive exclusive gifts, including a realme bag and special offers from Banglalink, available for a limited time and subject to terms and conditions. The realme C85 Pro features an industry-leading IP69 Pro waterproof rating, capable of surviving underwater submersion for up to 60 days. The device also comes with a 7000mAh Titan Battery, supporting 10W reverse charging to power other devices on the go. The smartphone sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 4000 nits peak brightness, making it the brightest in its segment. Powered by a Snapdragon processor, it offers smooth performance with AI optimization for multitasking, gaming, streaming, and photography. Additional features include AI Edit Genie and AI Outdoor Mode for effortless photo editing. The C85 Pro is available in two colors — Parrot Purple and Peacock Green — and three storage variants: 6GB + 128GB at Tk. 20,999, 8GB + 128GB at Tk. 22,999, and 8GB + 256GB at Tk. 24,999. With its combination of durability, performance, and design, the realme C85 Pro aims to provide users with a premium smartphone experience.