UK to save 1,400 of its iconic phone boxes

Published

3 years ago

June 9, 2022

Natasha Schapova

The UK’s iconic phoneboxes have long been under threat but new rules may be reviving them

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is implementing new regulations to keep rural phone boxes operating.

Phone boxes located within areas with poor mobile signals will be spared if they are needed by local communities.

The telecom company predicts that over 1,400 phone boxes are located in such areas which is lower than the initially estimated amount of 5,000.

Additional phone boxes may be spared for other reasons such as those in locations with frequent accidents or suicides and calls to lifeline services.

Other reasons may include areas not covered by all four mobile networks or if over 52 calls have been made from it within the past year.

One service, Childline received about 25,000 calls, and around 150,000 calls were made to emergency services in the year to May 2020.

Some areas have been offered the chance to purchase and repurpose the phone boxes for one pound.

Over 6,000 phone boxes have been sold so far turned into local libraries or even defibrillators.

Related Topics:childline ofcom phone box telecom UK

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

Xi proposes global AI governance at APEC summit

Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

Published

12 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Ahron Young

Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

In Short:
– Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence at the APEC leaders’ meeting.
– The proposed organisation aims to enhance AI collaboration and benefit international development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence during the APEC leaders’ meeting, aiming to establish China as an alternative to the United States in trade cooperation.This marked Xi’s first major comments on the initiative announced earlier this year. The United States has so far rejected the idea of regulating AI through international bodies.

Xi suggested that a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could create governance rules and enhance collaboration, framing AI as a “public good for the international community.” He emphasized the importance of AI for future development, stating it should benefit people across all nations.

Chinese officials indicated that the proposed organization could be based in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the summit but left after a meeting with Xi, amidst ongoing tensions regarding trade and technology controls between the two countries.

AI Governance

Analysts expected Xi to leverage the summit to promote China as a leader in multilateral trade and economic development.

California-based Nvidia plays a crucial role in the AI sector, while China-based developer DeepSeek has introduced cost-effective AI models to support Beijing’s goals for algorithmic independence.

Xi called on APEC to facilitate the free circulation of green technologies, reflecting China’s dominance in this sector. APEC members agreed on a joint declaration addressing AI and ageing populations during the summit. The 2026 summit will take place in Shenzhen, a city transformed from a fishing village into a manufacturing powerhouse since the 1980s.

APEC represents 21 nations, accounting for half of global trade.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.