Merriam-Webster has designated 'Slop' as the Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the increasing prevalence of low-quality AI-generated content on the internet. This term encapsulates the growing concern over the impact of artificial intelligence on content creation, particularly as it relates to the dilution of quality in digital media.

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of the RC4 cipher, a long-standing vulnerability that has been exploited by hackers for decades, particularly in administrative authentication processes. This decision marks a significant step in enhancing security protocols within its software ecosystem.

Ford has announced the cessation of F-150 Lightning production, marking a significant shift in its electric vehicle strategy as the company pivots towards a battery storage business. This decision reflects a broader trend of declining interest in battery electric vehicles at Ford, which has faced challenges in the EV market.

Microsoft has taken down a mod called Project Misriah, which re-created the popular game Halo 3 within Counter-Strike 2. The creator of the mod expressed intentions to leverage the experience gained from this project to develop new content in the future.

OpenAI is facing scrutiny for allegedly concealing full ChatGPT logs in a murder-suicide case, where the estate of Suzanne Eberson Adams is suing the company, claiming its technology contributed to the tragedy. This lawsuit highlights concerns about the accountability of AI technologies in sensitive situations.

The UK government is set to encourage Apple and Google to implement nudity-blocking systems on their mobile operating systems, iOS and Android, through the development of nudity-detection algorithms. This initiative aims to enhance online safety, particularly for minors, amid ongoing concerns about inappropriate content accessibility on smartphones.

Google has announced it will discontinue dark web reports that previously alerted users to leaked data, citing a lack of 'helpful next steps' in these notifications. This decision marks a significant shift in how the company addresses user security concerns related to data breaches.

Chinese companies are increasingly open about their intentions to replicate SpaceX's Starship technology, with new clones emerging in the market. This trend highlights a growing ambition within China's aerospace sector to compete directly with established players like SpaceX.

iRobot, the renowned maker of Roomba robotic vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy, leading to a restructuring plan that will see its shares acquired by Shenzhen-based Picea Robotics, its primary supplier and lender. This significant financial distress marks a pivotal moment for the company, which has been a leader in home automation since its founding in 1990 by M.I.T. researchers.