AI could end disease, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says

by News Editor

April 23, 2025

The Vision of Google’s DeepMind

Demis Hassabis, acclaimed CEO of Google’s DeepMind, celebrated his revolutionary achievements in artificial intelligence (AI) with a refreshing game of poker. The visionary sees AI as the ultimate tool that could potentially end diseases and bring about what he calls “radical abundance.” This bold foresight aligns with the advancements in AI technologies that are continually shaping the landscape.

The Race to Artificial General Intelligence

DeepMind is spearheading the pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), with aspirations to develop machines as versatile and knowledgeable as humans, but with superhuman speed. Hassabis noted, “It’s moving incredibly fast,” pointing out the exponential improvement curve powered by increasing resources and interest. Yet, the race raises questions about the safety and ethical implications of such rapid advancements.

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Exciting Developments and Challenges

The latest innovation, Project Astra, signals a new generation of chatbots capable of interpreting the world with remarkable accuracy. However, as Scott Pelley observed during a showcase, these systems still lack imagination and curiosity—a gap Hassabis believes could be bridged in the next five to ten years. This progression mirrors global trends, as seen in current tech developments.

The Bigger Picture

Hassabis envisions AI not only to enrich human endeavors but also to tackle health-related challenges, positing that with AI, the end of disease could indeed be on our horizon. As DeepMind continues to evolve, the potential of AI to affect every aspect of our lives remains both a thrilling and daunting prospect.

Global Perspectives

Globally, the dialogue on AI ethics is crucial. “Guardrails,” as Hassabis calls them, are essential to ensure technologies align with societal values and stay within safe limits. The international community faces the daunting task of setting standards that prevent a ‘race to the bottom’ on safety and ethics.

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WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

Enhanced Security And Messaging Control

WhatsApp has introduced a new type of account designed for users under the age of 13, allowing parents to supervise messaging activity. The accounts are limited to messaging and voice calls and do not include advertising features, reflecting growing demand from families for safer communication tools for younger users.

Streamlined Verification And Parental Oversight

Creating a supervised account requires a parent or guardian to complete a dual-device verification process using a QR code. This procedure links the child’s device with the parent’s account, allowing guardians to monitor certain activities. Once the connection is established, parents can receive notifications when their child adds, blocks or reports contacts. The system is designed to provide oversight while still allowing children to communicate with approved contacts.

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Restricted Features With Full Encryption

Several WhatsApp functions are restricted within supervised accounts. Access to Meta AI, Channels and Status updates is disabled, and disappearing messages are not available in individual chats. Despite these limitations, conversations remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private between participants.

Controlled Interactions And Transition Options

Additional safety tools help pre-teens manage interactions with unfamiliar contacts. Context cards provide details about messages received from unknown users, including shared groups and the country where the account originated. Users also have the option to silence incoming calls from numbers that are not saved in their contacts.

Chat requests and invitations to join group conversations require a six-digit parental PIN before they can be accepted. As children grow older, WhatsApp will inform them about the option to convert their supervised profile into a standard account. Parents can postpone this transition for up to 12 months if they wish to maintain supervision for a longer period.

A Broader Commitment To Digital Safety

WhatsApp’s initiative builds on Meta’s longstanding efforts to enhance the safety of young users across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to a secure digital environment. This move also coincides with regulatory trends in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., where steps are being taken to restrict social media access for younger users.

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