China Expands its Digital Yuan Program
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced the addition of 12 commercial banks to its list of institutions operating in digital yuan. Major players such as CITIC Bank, Everbright Bank, Guangfa Bank, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank are among them.
The total number of authorized banks to participate in the program has now increased to 22.
According to the PBOC, this extension aims to expand service coverage and meet the need for secure, convenient, and efficient payments. However, since its launch in 2019, concrete adoption has been slow due to consumers’ familiarity with popular payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
This decision also comes as China strengthens its cryptocurrency regulations and bans stablecoins, setting it apart from the United States where the government is promoting the development of digital currencies.
The PBOC stated that it would continue to increase the number of organizations operating based on market principles and in accordance with the rule of law, in order to create a fair competitive environment for the digital yuan.
Greece to Ban Social Networks for Children Under 15
The Greek government is expected to announce a ban on social networks for children under 15 in the coming days. This measure aims to combat phone addiction, cyberbullying, and the risk that children may not be able to protect themselves in the digital environment. Recent surveys show that about 80% of the population supports this radical measure.
Experts warn that the number of calls to helplines for cyberbullying victims will double between 2024 and 2025.
Additionally, many children are victims of extortion, misinformation, and hate speech. The Greek government has already banned mobile phones in schools and established a parental control platform.
However, many parents fear that their children will find ways to bypass the rules, while others believe that family management remains the best solution. As for teenagers, many admit to struggling to imagine life without social networks, as they have been an integral part of their daily lives since childhood.
OpenAI Integrates ChatGPT Voice Mode into CarPlay
OpenAI has announced that its ChatGPT voice mode is now compatible with Apple CarPlay. Users simply need to update iOS and the ChatGPT app to the latest version, then connect their iPhone to CarPlay to enjoy voice conversations directly in their car.
Nevertheless, this feature has some limitations. ChatGPT does not allow control of car functions, such as temperature adjustment or music change; these actions still require Siri. Additionally, ChatGPT cannot be activated by a quick call word like Siri; you need to open the ChatGPT app on CarPlay and select a recent or saved conversation.
However, OpenAI foresees that the voice mode will be useful for giving advice, suggesting ideas, or practicing linguistic skills while driving. This is a new step in integrating artificial intelligence into mobile experiences, complementing Apple’s CarPlay ecosystem.
Minh Hoan
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-3-4-trung-quoc-mo-rong-chuong-trinh-nhan-dan-te-so-ar1010979.html
