World

AI bots flooded 2023 UK government consultation on disposable vapes ban

Three-quarters of all responses were machine-generated in failed attempt to stop bill from passing into law, research findsAI bots flooded a government consultation with tens of thousands of fake responses in a failed attempt to stop the UK’s ban on disposable vapes.Three-quarters of all the responses to the 2023 consultation on the tobacco and vapes bill were machine-generated, in what is thought to be the first coordinated attempt to use AI to derail health policymaking in the UK. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/27/ai-bots-flooded-2023-uk-government-consultation-disposable-vapes-ban">Continue reading...</a>

GB1h ago1 min read

SOURCE: The Guardian World

ShareWhatsApp X LinkedIn Facebook

Related reports

WorldLEAD STORY

Danny Masterson loses appeal against rape conviction after arguing judge was biased against Scientology

That ’70s Show actor was sentenced to 30 years in prison for two counts of rape against two women, who were also ScientologistsDanny Masterson has lost the appeal of his rape conviction, meaning his 30-year prison sentence has been upheld.The actor, best known for his role on That ’70s Show, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/may/31/danny-masterson-that-70s-show-found-guilty-rape">convicted in 2023 of two counts of rape</a> against two women in 2003, while a third charge relating to a third plaintiff, who alleged she was raped by Masterson in 2001, was quashed.Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, <a href="https://www.rainn.org/">Rainn</a> offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, <a href="https://rapecrisis.org.uk/">Rape Crisis</a> offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au/">1800Respect</a> (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at <a href="http://ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html">ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/oct/28/danny-masterson-loses-scientology-bias-appeal-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>

GB Oct 28, 2026The Guardian World

Read the full report

THE LATEST03 STORIES

World02

King Charles to discuss legacy of slavery with Commonwealth leaders at summit

Royal tour of Caribbean comes as Commonwealth nations renew calls for Britain to engage in reparation talksKing Charles has confirmed he will discuss the legacy of slavery at a summit with Commonwealth leaders as he begins his Caribbean tour.The king arrived in the Bahamas to a ceremonial welcome and attended a youth rally at Clifford Park, the site where the country officially gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1973. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/28/king-charles-confirms-he-will-discuss-legacy-of-slavery-at-commonwealth-summit">Continue reading...</a>

GB Oct 28, 2026The Guardian World

World03

Experts urge 'global health emergency' as climate harms accelerate

Heat, drought and storms linked to climate change are already killing millions worldwide. Researchers want global warming to be declared a global health emergency as the health harms from it escalate faster than ever.

DE Oct 28, 2026Deutsche Welle (DW)

World04

Body of missing California hiker recovered on Mount Whitney

Hazardous storm conditions delayed retrieval efforts on mountain that has proved to be a perilous hiking spotThe body of a missing California hiker, blanketed in a layer of snow, was recovered on Mount Whitney on Sunday after a blustery storm delayed retrieval operations for five days.The Inyo county sheriff’s office extended its condolences to the loved ones and family of the hiker, who has not been publicly identified, in a Monday statement. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/27/california-missing-hiker-mount-whitney">Continue reading...</a>

GB Oct 28, 2026The Guardian World