Sci&Tech

Is Google AI Search really an ‘unacceptable risk’ to children?

Published

9 hours ago

July 16, 2026

News Desk

The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

Contents

AI Features Cannot Be Fully Disabled Report Says AI Completes Homework Child Safety Concerns Highlighted Overall Rating Marked as ‘Unacceptable Risk’Google Rejects the Findings Scrutiny of AI Safety Continues Key Points:

KARACHI – A report by nonprofit organization Common Sense Media has raised concerns about Google’s AI-powered Search features, concluding that they pose an “Unacceptable Risk” to children because of safety, reliability and educational concerns.

The report evaluated Google AI Overview and AI Mode, two generative AI features integrated into Google Search that provide AI-generated responses to users’ queries.

AI Features Cannot Be Fully Disabled

According to the report, AI Overview automatically appears at the top of many Google Search results, while AI Mode functions as a conversational chatbot capable of answering follow-up questions and processing uploaded files and images. Common Sense Media said neither feature can currently be fully disabled by users, parents or schools, raising concerns because Google Search is widely used on children’s personal devices and school-issued Chromebooks.

Report Says AI Completes Homework

The organization also expressed concern about the impact of Google’s AI tools on education. During testing, researchers found that Google’s AI consistently generated complete answers to homework questions, including mathematics problems and essay assignments, when prompts were pasted into Search.

The report argued that providing complete solutions instead of guiding students through problems could undermine learning and critical thinking. Researchers also noted inconsistencies in AI-generated responses. In one test, AI Overview reportedly produced materially different answers to the same history question in 43pc of attempts.

Child Safety Concerns Highlighted

The report’s strongest criticism centred on child safety. According to Common Sense Media, Google’s AI Search features failed all tested severe-harm “Red Line” categories, including self-harm, sexual exploitation, synthetic media harm, dangerous substances, impaired reality and eating disorders.

Researchers said that the AI sometimes failed to recognise signs of mental health crises, reinforced symptoms associated with psychosis and mania, validated disordered eating behaviours and mishandled certain substance-use prompts. The report further stated that AI Overview identified clear warning signs of emotional distress in only 58pc of hundreds of test searches, below the organization’s benchmark of 95pc.

Overall Rating Marked as ‘Unacceptable Risk’

Common Sense Media assigned Google’s AI Search features an overall rating of “Unacceptable Risk.” The report said the tools received either “Unacceptable” or “High Risk” ratings across seven of its eight AI evaluation principles, including child safety, effectiveness, fairness, trustworthiness, transparency and human connection.

The only category to receive a comparatively lower assessment was data responsibility, which the organization rated as “Moderate Risk.”

Google Rejects the Findings

Google disputed the conclusions of the report. A company spokesperson told Axios that the research relied on a limited set of ambiguous and artificial search queries that do not accurately represent how people typically use Google Search.

The spokesperson said that Google could not reproduce or verify the findings and noted that Search displays crisis hotline information when appropriate. However, Common Sense Media argued that AI-generated responses can vary between searches, making their safety and reliability difficult to assess consistently.

Scrutiny of AI Safety Continues

According to the report, growing scrutiny of major technology companies over the use of generative AI by children. Common Sense Media said Google’s position is unique because its AI-generated answers are integrated directly into Search, making them readily accessible on devices that children use every day.

The organization concluded that Google’s AI Search features are not yet safe or reliable enough to serve as the default source of answers for children.

Category	Details
Organization	Common Sense Media
AI Features Reviewed	Google AI Overview and AI Mode
Overall Rating	Unacceptable Risk
Main Concerns	Child safety, homework completion, inconsistent AI responses, mental health guidance
Homework Findings	AI generated complete answers for maths and essay assignments during testing
History Question Test	AI produced different answers 43% of the time
Distress Detection	Warning signs identified in only 58% of tests
Benchmark	95% detection rate considered acceptable by Common Sense Media
Risk Categories Failed	Self-harm, sexual exploitation, synthetic media, dangerous substances, impaired reality, eating disorders
Google’s Response	Rejected the report, saying it used unrealistic search queries and could not be replicated
Key Takeaway	Report says Google’s AI Search is not yet safe enough to be a default answer tool for children

Key Points:

Common Sense Media has rated Google’s AI Search features as posing an “Unacceptable Risk” to children.
The report examined AI Overview and AI Mode, which are integrated into Google Search.
Researchers said the tools cannot be fully disabled by users, parents or schools.
The organization found Google’s AI completed homework assignments instead of encouraging learning.
The report raised concerns over responses related to self-harm, mental health, substance use and eating disorders.
Google disputed the findings, saying the report relied on unrealistic search queries and did not reflect normal Search usage.
The report adds to growing scrutiny over the safety of AI tools used by children.

Sci&Tech

Starlink V5 introduced with low energy consumption: Starlink

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

News Desk

The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

Contents

Smaller Design Makes Installation Easier How much power does Starlink V5 consume?Starlink V5 Internet Speed Part of SpaceX’s Broader Expansion Plans Availability Currently Limited Key Points:

KARACHI – SpaceX has quietly introduced the Starlink V5 residential dish, bringing a more compact and energy-efficient design to its satellite internet service. The latest hardware is currently available in selected parts of the United States, with a wider rollout expected as production ramps up.

Unlike previous upgrades that focused on network performance, the Starlink V5 primarily improves the physical design of the home internet terminal. The new model is lighter, consumes less electricity, and is easier to install, although users should not expect faster download speeds compared to the V4 dish.

Smaller Design Makes Installation Easier

The most noticeable improvement is the dish’s smaller footprint. The Starlink V5 measures 384mm × 306mm × 34mm, making it considerably more compact than the V4, which measures 594mm × 383mm × 39.7mm.

Weight has also been reduced significantly. The V5 weighs only 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) compared to approximately 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds) for the V4.

The lighter design should simplify installation, particularly for users mounting the dish on rooftops. Each Starlink V5 kit includes the Router Mini along with a pipe adapter designed for rooftop installation. However, SpaceX says the new dish is intended only for fixed residential use and does not support in-motion connectivity.

How much power does Starlink V5 consume?

One of the biggest advantages of the Starlink V5 is improved energy efficiency. According to Starlink’s official comparison page, the V5 consumes an average of 35 to 50 watts, while the V4 typically requires 75 to 100 watts.

The reduced power requirement could lower electricity costs and make the dish more suitable for users with limited power availability or off-grid installations.

Starlink V5 Internet Speed

Despite the hardware redesign, the Starlink V5 does not offer faster internet speeds. SpaceX rates the new dish for download speeds exceeding 375Mbps, while the V4 remains rated at more than 400Mbps.

Actual performance will continue to depend on factors including network congestion, service plans, satellite coverage, and local demand. The V5 should therefore be viewed as a hardware refinement focused on efficiency and ease of installation rather than a performance upgrade.

Part of SpaceX’s Broader Expansion Plans

The Starlink V5 succeeds the V4 residential dish introduced in 2023.

SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk recently showcased the new hardware in a video shared on X, stating that the company intends to manufacture the V5 in much larger volumes than previous terminals.

The launch comes as SpaceX continues expanding the Starlink ecosystem. The company is also developing a next-generation mobile satellite network expected in mid-2027 and a premium Performance dish aimed at delivering gigabit-class internet speeds.

Availability Currently Limited

SpaceX says the Starlink V5 is initially available only in selected US markets. According to Engadget, one early deployment was reported in Drummond, Montana, where customers subscribing to the company’s 100Mbps Residential plan costing $55 per month received the V5 dish.

Higher-tier Residential and Residential Max plans were still being supplied with the older V4 dish and Router 3 at the time. The company expects availability to expand gradually as manufacturing capacity increases

Feature	Starlink V5	Starlink V4
Dimensions	384 × 306 × 34 mm	594 × 383 × 39.7 mm
Weight	1.1 kg (2.4 lbs)	2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
Power Consumption	35–50W	75–100W
Peak Download Speed	375+ Mbps	400+ Mbps
Router Included	Router Mini	Router 3
Installation	Residential Rooftop	Residential Rooftop
In-Motion Support	No	No
Availability	Select US regions	Widely available

Key Points:

SpaceX has introduced the new Starlink V5 residential dish in select US regions.
The V5 is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous V4 model.
Power consumption has been reduced by nearly half, improving energy efficiency.
Internet speeds remain largely unchanged despite the hardware redesign.
The new kit includes the Router Mini and a rooftop pipe adapter.
Availability is currently limited but will expand as production increases.

Business

TECNO announces up to 14pc discount on CAMON 50 series

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

Haris Sarfraz Ali

Contents

Notable features of TECNO CAMON 50 Pro How you can take advantage of Brand Day campaign Key points:

LAHORE: TECNO has announced a limited-time Brand Day campaign on Daraz, offering discounts of up to 14 per cent on selected smartphones, including its flagship-inspired CAMON 50 Series.

The campaign is available exclusively through TECNO’s official store on Daraz and aims to provide customers with authentic smartphones at reduced prices while offering secure online shopping, official warranty coverage and nationwide delivery. The CAMON 50 Series is the centrepiece of the promotion, targeting consumers looking for premium smartphone features at a more affordable price.

Notable features of TECNO CAMON 50 Pro

Among the featured devices, the TECNO CAMON 50 Pro comes with a curved AMOLED display, a slim design and a 50-megapixel Sony camera sensor. The smartphone also includes artificial intelligence-powered photography tools, Super Zoom and intelligent image enhancement features designed to improve portraits, landscape photography and low-light images.

TECNO said the CAMON 50 Series combines AI-powered imaging with practical tools for content creation, allowing users to produce enhanced photos and videos with minimal effort. The company added that purchases made through its official
Daraz store include genuine products backed by official warranty and after-sales services.

How you can take advantage of Brand Day campaign

The Brand Day campaign offers discounts of up to 14pc for a limited time, encouraging customers planning to upgrade their smartphones to take advantage of the promotion before it ends. The offer covers the CAMON 50 Series as well as other selected TECNO smartphones available through the company’s official Daraz storefront.

Category	Details
Campaign	TECNO Brand Day
Platform	Daraz Pakistan
Discount	Up to 14% Off
Main Series	TECNO CAMON 50 Series
Featured Model	TECNO CAMON 50 Pro
Display	Premium Curved AMOLED
Camera	50MP Sony Imaging Sensor
AI Features	AI Photography, Super Zoom, Intelligent Image Enhancement
Shopping Benefits	Official Warranty, Genuine Products, Nationwide Delivery
Availability	Limited-Time Offer

Key points:

TECNO has launched a limited-time Brand Day campaign on Daraz.
Customers can receive up to 14pc discounts on selected TECNO smartphones.
The CAMON 50 Series is the flagship highlight of the promotion.
The CAMON 50 Pro features a curved AMOLED display and a 50MP Sony camera sensor with AI photography.
The offer is available exclusively through TECNO’s official Daraz store.
Buyers will receive genuine devices backed by an official warranty and after-sales support.
The promotion is available for a limited period.

Sci&Tech

Wi-Fi Foes: Bizarre Household Objects Killing Your Signal

Published

4 days ago

July 12, 2026

Abdul Subhan

unexpected-home-wi-fi-interference-causes

This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

Contents

Key Points:How Water and Mirrors Create Dead Zones Household Wi-Fi Obstacle Impact Matrix Weather Extremes and Practical Optimization Strategies What are the most common home Wi-Fi interference causes?How do mirrors actively disrupt wireless internet connections?What is the best way to bypass these household dead spots?

Key Points:

Historical Context: Internet pioneer Alex Hills first cataloged the hidden processes that disrupt wireless signals back in 1993.
Kitchen Culprits: Kitchen appliances like older microwaves frequently clash with internet routers because they share the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Aquatic Barriers: Water-filled fish tanks absorb radio waves effectively. Consequently, they create major signal dead zones through a process called shadowing.
Reflective Hurdles: Large mirrors and flat-screen televisions bounce wireless signals away, which severely fragments home coverage.

KARACHI – Modern households run entirely on wireless connectivity, yet several common household items trigger severe Home Wi-Fi interference causes. Internet pioneer Alex Hills, who built early networks at Carnegie Mellon University in 1993, explores these hidden disruptors in his book.

Specifically, older microwave ovens represent a major source of signal degradation. Because these appliances heat food using the 2.4 GHz frequency, they directly overlap with common wireless networks. If a microwave has aging shielding, it can leak radiation during use. As a result, simply warming up dinner can temporarily crash your connection.

This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

How Water and Mirrors Create Dead Zones

Beyond the kitchen, structural objects and home decor also degrade signal strength. Water molecules absorb radio waves by acting like tiny magnets, which drains the signal’s overall power. Therefore, placing a large fish tank between a router and a laptop creates an immediate dead zone.

Furthermore, dense building materials like brick, concrete, and drywall continuously weaken signal penetration. Reflection poses an equally troublesome issue. Because radio waves are a form of light, they easily bounce off flat, reflective surfaces. Consequently, large mirrors and metallic wall panels deflect signals away from their intended targets.

Household Wi-Fi Obstacle Impact Matrix

Disruptive Element	Scientific Phenomenon	Primary Effect on Network	Simple Fix / Solution
Old Microwaves	Frequency Overlap (2.4 GHz)	Temporary connection drops	Upgrade to 5 GHz network
Fish Tanks / Water	Shadowing & Wave Absorption	Complete signal dead zones	Relocate router away from water
Mirrors & Large TVs	Signal Reflection	Deflected and scattered waves	Reposition reflective decor
Heavy Snow / Ice	Infrastructure Damage	Total network outage	Contact local service provider

Weather Extremes and Practical Optimization Strategies

Environmental factors outside the home also influence baseline connection speeds. While standard rain rarely affects indoor routers, extreme winter weather can cause severe infrastructure damage. For example, heavy snow accumulation routinely blocks satellite dishes. Meanwhile, sub-zero temperatures can shrink and damage underlying network cables.

To combat these indoor and outdoor obstacles, users should optimize their router placement. Elevating the router to a central, high location drastically improves performance. Finally, installing a mesh network or using modern signal extenders will help bypass dense walls and large mirrors without requiring a complete home redesign.

What are the most common home Wi-Fi interference causes?

The most frequent culprits include older microwaves operating on the 2.4 GHz band, water inside large fish tanks, dense concrete walls, and reflective surfaces like mirrors or televisions.

How do mirrors actively disrupt wireless internet connections?

Since radio signals travel as a form of light waves, flat reflective surfaces act exactly like mirrors to data streams. Consequently, they bounce the signal away from your devices.

What is the best way to bypass these household dead spots?

Moving your router to a central, elevated position is the easiest initial step. However, if dead zones persist, deploying a mesh network or a Wi-Fi extender will successfully route signals around structural obstacles.