impacting

New laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom aim to make the artificial intelligence and social media landscape in California safer, especially for minors.

Senate Bill 243, sponsored by state Sen. Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista) will require AI companies to incorporate guardrails that prevent so-called “companion” chatbots from talking to users of any age about suicide or self-harm. It also requires that all AI systems alert minors using the chatbots that they are not human every three hours. The systems also are barred from promoting any sexually explicit conduct to users who are minors.

The law, to be enacted on Jan. 1, follows several lawsuits filed against developers in which families allege their children committed suicide after being influenced by an AI chatbot companion.

In the same vein, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 316, which removes a civil legal defense that some AI developers have been using to make the case that they are not responsible for any harm caused by their products. They have argued that their AI products act autonomously — and so there is no legal case to blame the developers.

In a bill analysis meant for legislators, Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) wrote that this change will force developers to vet their product better and ensure that they can be held to account if their product does cause harm to its users.

Another bill, AB 621, increases civil penalties for AI developers who knowingly create nonconsensual “deepfake” AI pornography. The maximum penalties go from $30,000 to $50,000, and from $150,000 to $250,000 in cases where the courts determine that the actions were done with malice.

The author of the bill, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), has pointed out how this technology has been used to harm minors. “In one recent instance,” she noted in an analysis supporting the proposed legislation, “five students were expelled from a Beverly Hills Middle School after creating and sharing AI generated nude photos of their classmates.”

Another AI bill, Sen. Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) SB 53, was signed into law by Newsom in late September. It will require large AI companies to publicly disclose certain safety and security protocols and report to the state on critical safety incidents. It also creates a public AI computing cluster — CalCompute — that will provide resources to startups and researchers developing large AI systems.

Bauer-Kahan also was the author of AB 56, which will require social media companies to place a warning label on their platforms for minors starting in 2027. The warning label must tell children and teens that social media is associated with mental health issues and may not be safe.

“People across the nation — including myself — have become increasingly concerned with Big Tech’s failure to protect children who interact with its products. Today, California makes clear that we will not sit and wait for companies to decide to prioritize children’s well-being over their profits,” Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, who sponsored the bill, said in a news release. “By adding warning labels to social media platforms, AB 56 gives California a new tool to protect our children.”

Other bills recently approved by Newsom look to challenge the Internet’s grip on young people and their mental health.

AB 1043, for example, will require app stores and device manufacturers to take age data from users in order to ensure that they are complying with age verification requirements. Many tech companies, including Google and Meta, approved of the bill, which was written by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland).

AB 772 will require grade K-12 schools in the state to develop a policy by mid-2027 on handling bullying and cyberbullying that happens off campus. “After-school bullying follows the pupil back to school and into the classroom, creating a hostile environment at school,” author and Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) wrote in a bill analysis.

Proponents at the Los Angeles County Office of Education wrote in an earlier analysis that because students these days are constantly connected to the internet, bullying does not stop when school lets out. In addition, social media and texting can broadcast instances of bullying to larger audiences than ever before, according to the analysis.

The California School Boards Assn. opposed AB 772, saying that it wasn’t appropriate for school officials to take responsibility for student actions outside of school. Newsom signed the bill last weekend and included it in a larger package of bills meant to protect children from the effects of social media.

“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect — but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead and endanger our kids. We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability,” Newsom said in a news release Monday. “We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”

It was announced yesterday that only British Airways Premium Plus American Express cardholders — not those using the free British Airways American Express card — can now earn up to 2,500 tier points per year when using their card for everyday spending

A major update on British Airways’ tier points scheme has been announced.

Following the airline’s recent overhaul of its loyalty scheme, British Airways and American Express customers have been eager to find out how many tier points they can now earn with the British Airways Premium Plus Amex card.

It was announced yesterday that only British Airways Premium Plus American Express cardholders — not those using the free British Airways American Express card — can now earn up to 2,500 tier points per year when using their card for everyday spending.

The number of tier points you earn annually determines your membership level: blue, bronze, silver, or gold. Everyone starts at bronze, and can progress through the tiers based on how much they spend.

Higher-tier statuses unlock perks such as complimentary seat selection, priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, and access to British Airways’ airport lounges.

READ MORE: British tourist’s reaction on Benidorm holiday from hell when strangers were in her hotel room

Here’s how many Tier Points are required for each level:

• Bronze – 3,500 Tier Points
• Silver – 7,500 Tier Points
• Gold – 20,000 Tier Points

To reach silver, you could spend £5,000 on British Airways flights and holiday packages — each pound spent earns one tier point. The rest of the required points could be earned through spending on the British Airways Premium Plus Amex card, if you have one.

Here’s how the new tier point earning system works for cardholders:

• 750 tier P=points are awarded when you spend £15,000 after enrolling in the offer.
• An additional 750 tier points are awarded after spending a further £5,000 (total: £20,000).
• A final 1,000 tier points are awarded after spending another £5,000 (total: £25,000).

This brings the maximum total to 2,500 tier points earned via everyday spending. If this sounds confusing, there’s more: the tier points system is separate from Avios points.

Tier points determine your membership level and associated airport perks. Avios points, on the other hand, are used to claim rewards such as free flights.

READ MORE: Tourists hit with €750 fines for buying illegal souvenirs in Spanish hotspotREAD MORE: Brits call out ‘horrendous’ hotel behaviour but admit ‘we find it funny’

Travellers flying with British Airways or its Oneworld partners earn Avios to use toward future flights. Amex cardholders have long earned Avios on their spending. However, prior to the changes in April, cardholders could not earn tier points through everyday spending.

Here’s how Avios earning works:

• The free British Airways American Express card earns 1 Avios per £1 spent.
• The Premium Plus card earns 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, but has a £300 annual fee.

It’s important to note that the 2,500 tier point offer is not available to holders of the fee-free British Airways Amex Card.

If you do have the British Airways Premium Plus American Express card, make sure to enroll in the Tier Point scheme through the American Express app or website to begin collecting points.

A MAJOR building society will make a big change to 47 savings accounts in weeks.

Nationwide is slashing the rates on several of its savings accounts.

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The moves comes after rate-setters on the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the base rate from 4.5% to 4.25%.

This was the fourth interest rate cut since 2020.

The base rate is used by lenders to determine the interest rates offered to customers on savings and borrowing costs.

A base rate cut can mean that mortgage rates are lowered, which is good news for homeowners.

But it can mean that savers lose out as the interest they earn on savings will drop.

As the base rate falls some lenders, including Nationwide, have chosen to lower the interest rates on some savings accounts.

That includes its Triple Access Saver account which will see interest lowered from 1.95% AER to 1.80% come July 1.

AER, or Annual Equivalent Rate, is used to show you what you could earn from a savings account over a year. 

Its Cash Child Trust Fund will also have its interest lowered.

The rate will be lowered from 3.55% AER to 3.30% next month.

Meanwhile, the interest on its Help To Buy ISA will be lowered from 2.90% to 2.70%

You can take a look at the full list of account changes below

• Branch Limited Access
  • Previous rate: 1.90% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Limited Access Online Saver
  • Previous rate: 1.90% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Limited Access Saver
  • Previous rate: 1.90% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Branch Reward Single Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Branch Single Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Reward Single Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Branch Single Access
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/gross (variable)
• Single Access Saver
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/gross (variable)
• Triple Access Online ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.80% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.60% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Branch Triple Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.95% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.80% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Triple Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.95% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.80% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Branch Easy Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Easy Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Easy Access ISA 2
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• e-ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Fixed Term ISA Maturity
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Fixed Term Cash ISA Maturity
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Inheritance ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.55% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Branch Reward Saver
  • Previous rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.20% AER/gross (variable)
• Reward Saver
  • Previous rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.20% AER/gross (variable)
• Help to Buy: ISA
  • Previous rate: 2.90% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 2.70% AER/tax-free (variable)
• e-Savings Plus
  • Previous rate: 1.90% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Branch Smart Limited Adult
  • Previous rate: 2.85% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 2.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Branch Smart Limited Child
  • Previous rate: 2.85% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 2.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Smart Limited Access Adult
  • Previous rate: 2.85% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 2.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Smart Limited Access Child
  • Previous rate: 2.85% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 2.75% AER/gross (variable)
• Future Saver
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Children’s Future Saver Issue 1
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Branch Future Saver
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Cash Child Trust Fund
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Child Trust Fund Maturity ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Junior ISA Maturity
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Smart Junior ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.55% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.30% AER/gross (variable)
• Branch Flex Saver
  • Previous rate: 1.65% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/gross (variable)
• Flex Online Saver Issues 1 and 2
  • Previous rate: 1.65% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/gross (variable)
• Flexclusive Saver
  • Previous rate: 1.65% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/gross (variable)
• Flex Saver
  • Previous rate: 1.65% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/gross (variable)
• Corporate Savings
  • Previous rate: 1.56% AER/1.55% gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.30% AER/1.30% gross (variable)
• Branch Flex ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.60% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Flex ISA
  • Previous rate: 1.60% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 1.50% AER/tax-free (variable)
• Instant Access Saver Issue 10
  • Previous rate: 1.85% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 1.70% AER/gross (variable)
• Single Access ISA
  • Previous rate: 3.35% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.25% AER/tax-free (variable)
• 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA
  • Previous rate: 4.00% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.75% AER/tax-free (variable)
• 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA Issues 16 and 17
  • Previous rate: 4.00% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.75% AER/tax-free (variable)
• 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA Issue 18
  • Previous rate: 4.00% AER/tax-free (variable)
  • New rate: 3.75% AER/tax-free (variable)
• 1 Year Triple Access Online Saver Issues 3, 5, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17
  • Previous rate: 4.00% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.75% AER/gross (variable)
• 1 Year Triple Access Online Saver Issue 18
  • Previous rate: 4.00% AER/gross (variable)
  • New rate: 3.75% AER/gross (variable)

If you are not happy with the change, it is always worth looking at other providers to see if you can get a better deal.

Websites such as MoneyFacts share the best offers on the market for savings and other types of bank accounts.

OTHER BANKING CHANGES

Nationwide is not the only bank lowering the interest on some of its deals.

Leeds Building Society is slashing the rates on 58 of its savings accounts.

That includes its Five Access Saver which will have its interest rates lowered from 3.77% AER to 3.55% come June 27.

Meanwhile, Vault customers will see interest rates on their account from 3.80% AER to 3.65% come June 26.

The change will take place from June 23, but dates can vary from offer to offer.

Online bank Monzo also lowerd the intertest on its Personal Instant Access Savings Pots from from 3.50% AER to 3.25% AER.