FBI warns of adversaries using AI in influence campaigns, cyberattacks - Therecord.media
FBI Director Christopher Wray warned about foreign adversaries' attempts to utilize artificial intelligence as part of influence campaigns and other malicious activity. The FBI is paying increased attention to foreign actors targeting U.S. companies, universities, and government research facilities for AI advancements, such as algorithms, data expertise, and computing infrastructure.
National Security Subcommittee Examines the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's Operations
FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki testified before the House Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, discussing the bureau's authorities, operations, and the status of beneficial ownership reporting. Gacki noted FinCEN's concern about fraud, including cyber-enabled fraud, and the agency's observation of increased fraud and cybercrime reporting since 2013.
In court, CEO Sundar Pichai defends Google against the DOJ's 'extraordinary' proposals
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai testified in federal court against a Justice Department proposal that would force Google to share its search data, calling it a “de facto divestiture”. Pichai testified that Google has spent roughly $49 billion on AI research and development and is considered one of the top companies in the world spending in this space.
Palantir poses a grave threat to Americans | Robert Reich - The Guardian
Palantir Technologies, co-founded by Peter Thiel, sells an AI-based platform that allows users, including military and law enforcement agencies, to analyze personal data to identify and surveil individuals. Palantir's software may now be used to combine data gleaned from various federal departments, raising concerns about misuse and the company's apparent disdain for democratic institutions.
In court, CEO Sundar Pichai defends Google against the DOJ's 'extraordinary' proposals
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai testified in federal court against the DOJ's proposal to force Google to share its search data, arguing it would be a 'de facto divestiture' and would hurt American consumers and innovation. Pichai emphasized Google's investment in AI, stating the company has spent roughly $49 billion on AI research and development.
Trump wants to stop states from regulating AI. This Utah Republican isn't listening - Midland Daily News
A former data scientist at Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, who quit after it signed a deal to help the first Trump administration with immigration enforcement, is now a member of the AI task force. The White House wants a single national standard for artificial intelligence, arguing that a patchwork of excessive regulation could handicap American innovation in a global competition with China.
FinCEN Issues Alert on Fraud Schemes Involving Deepfake Media Targeting Financial Institutions
FinCEN, under Director Andrea Gacki, issued an alert to financial institutions regarding fraud schemes involving deepfake media created with generative AI. FinCEN has observed an increase in suspicious activity reporting related to the use of deepfakes, particularly for fraudulent identity documents.
April 17, 2026 VIA EMAIL The Honorable Andrea Gacki Director Financial Crimes Enforcement Network U.S. Department of the Treas
A Senate Subcommittee is requesting information from FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki regarding Binance's compliance with anti-money laundering and sanctions obligations, following reports of the exchange facilitating billions in sanctions evasion for Iran-linked entities. The request seeks updates on the Compliance Monitor's work and any impediments to accessing information from Binance.
White House Reporter: Put the Temple Mount on the Table as Leverage Against Hamas
White House reporter Jake Turx proposes using the Temple Mount as leverage to disarm Hamas, suggesting that if Hamas refuses to disarm, control of the Temple Mount should be transferred solely to the Jews - potentially paving the way for Third Temple construction. Turx argues this is the one thing Hamas will not sacrifice, making it the ultimate negotiating tool for Trump.
Biblical Prophecy? Video of Red Heifer Ceremony in Israel; A Texan shares his story
For the first time in 2000 years, a Red Heifer was slaughtered and burned in Israel on July 1, 2025, with its ashes gathered, potentially fulfilling prophecy related to rebuilding the Third Temple.
2025 Global Scripture Access
As of August 1, 2025, just 544 of the world's 7,396 living languages remain on the waiting list for Bible translation to begin, with the focus on people in all language communities engaging with God's Word.
Israel signals readiness to escalate in Lebanon as Iran tensions rise
Amid rising tensions with Iran, Israel is signaling its readiness to escalate in Lebanon. The head of the Israeli army's Manpower Directorate stated that Israel is currently facing seven fronts and that Iran, along with its proxies, plans to eliminate the Jewish state.
America Needs a National Digital Identity Strategy
A national digital identity strategy is needed in the US to standardize and govern online trust, enhance privacy, mitigate fraud, and make services easier and fairer, without centralizing identity.
Going Cashless: Central Banks and Digital Currencies
Central banks are grappling with the implications of digital currencies and cashless societies, including the need for regulation and the potential impact on financial access and the role of central banks.
Security Council Reform
Intergovernmental negotiations are ongoing in the General Assembly regarding equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.
Abraham Accords and their impact on Chinese national security - Modern Diplomacy
The Abraham Accords, starting in 2020, are expanding Israeli influence in Asia, impacting China's strategic interests and national security, especially with Kazakhstan joining in November 2025.
Ray Dalio Warns CBDCs Could Erase Financial Privacy
Investor Ray Dalio warns that CBDCs could eliminate financial privacy, enabling governments to monitor transactions in real-time, apply instant taxes, enforce capital controls, and restrict access for politically disfavored individuals. He raised concerns about the potential for systemic government control over personal finances and the exclusion of certain individuals from the CBDC system.
Kenyan authorities used Israeli tech to crack activist's phone, report claims
Report claims Kenyan authorities utilized Israeli technology to compromise an activist's phone, highlighting the increasing use of sophisticated surveillance tools against dissent.
Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Joins Ukrainian Startup to Unleash AI Drone Swarms
Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, has joined Swarmer, a Ukrainian startup specializing in AI-driven autonomous drone swarms, as non-executive chairman. Swarmer's platform has executed over 100,000 real-world combat missions since April 2024, using machine learning to coordinate drone swarms. Prince aims to leverage his connections to sell Swarmer's technology to the US Department of Defense and NATO allies.
Gujarat Launches India's First CBDC-Based Public Distribution System
The government of Gujarat has launched India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS). This system uses digital currency tokens authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to improve transparency, reduce corruption, ensure traceability of transactions, and strengthen accountability in subsidy delivery. The CBDC platform was developed by Punjab National Bank under the RBI framework.
Meta Reportedly Set to Launch Divisive 'Facial Recognition' Feature
Meta is reportedly planning to introduce a new facial recognition feature within its smart glasses, enabling wearers to identify people using AI and access their information, raising privacy concerns. The feature, called 'Name Tag,' could potentially identify anyone connected to a Meta platform, making their information readily available.
'Orwellian': Sainsbury's staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper
A shopper was wrongly identified and ejected from a Sainsbury's store due to facial recognition technology, raising concerns about the potential for misidentification and the erosion of privacy.
Data sovereignty: Why East Africa must build its own AI future
Sovereign AI, the ability to build AI using a nation's own infrastructure and governed data is becoming a necessity. It ensures legal compliance with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner while reducing latency. For East Africa's vision of the Silicon Savannah to be realised, their digital intelligence must be built on local foundations.
China's Digital Yuan to Pay Interest in 2026, Defying Global CBDC Norms
China's digital yuan will begin paying interest in 2026, a move that diverges from the global consensus that retail CBDCs should function purely as digital cash. Wallet balances will accrue interest at demand deposit rates and will be covered by China's deposit insurance scheme, similar to bank deposits. This decision aims to encourage wider adoption while limiting risks to commercial banks.
Ten Day Cessation of Hostilities to Enable Peace Negotiations Between Israel and Lebanon
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ten-day cessation of hostilities, starting April 16, 2026, to enable good-faith negotiations towards a permanent security and peace agreement, facilitated by the United States. Both countries affirm they are not at war and commit to direct negotiations to achieve lasting security, stability, and peace.
Israeli Parliament Passes Law Expanding Political Control of Judicial Appointments
Israel's parliament passed a law expanding elected officials' power to appoint judges, defying a years-long movement against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's contentious judicial reforms. This move consolidates political control over the judiciary.
IDF map shows its advance into southern Lebanon – as it happened | US-Israel war on Iran | The Guardian
The Israeli military has released a map showing its new deployment line within Lebanon following a ceasefire with Hezbollah. JD Vance defended Pope Leo's right to preach the Gospel, even on political matters, despite previously criticizing him.
Live Updates: Trump says he's not under pressure over Iran war deal as status of peace talks remains unclear
President Trump is pushing for a peace deal with Iran amidst a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, even threatening strikes if Iran doesn't accept his terms. Negotiations are ongoing in Pakistan, with a ceasefire set to expire soon.
How Pakistan learned to speak Trump's language, becoming an unlikely peacemaker
Pakistan is playing a key role in mediating peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, despite not recognizing Israel. This is attributed to Pakistan's efforts to gain favor with President Trump through various deals and diplomatic efforts.
Spain to call for EU termination of association agreement with Israel over violations of international law
Spain is planning to call for the EU to terminate its association agreement with Israel, citing violations of international law. This action signals increasing European scrutiny of Israel's actions.
European Union hosts Palestinian peace conference as it seeks greater role in Middle East
The EU is attempting to take a more active role in Middle East peace efforts, hosting a conference with Palestinian representatives. The change in leadership in Hungary may allow the EU to take a firmer stance on Israeli actions.
A 10-day ceasefire agreed on by Israel and Lebanon goes into effect
A 10-day truce has begun between Israel and Lebanon, potentially paving the way for a broader ceasefire involving Iran and the U.S.. The agreement was brokered by the U.S., with efforts from Pakistan.