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Tens of thousands of people have been hired by Scale AI – a firm 49% owned by Meta – to train artificial‑intelligence models by scraping Instagram accounts, harvesting copyrighted artwork and transcribing pornographic soundtracks, according to the Guardian.Scale AI promotes its Outlier platform as a flexible, expert‑driven marketplace, recruiting professionals from medicine, physics and economics to "become the expert that AI learns from."Workers, however, say the reality diverges sharply from high‑level model refinement. They describe tasks that involve massive personal‑data scraping and content that many find morally uncomfortable.Outlier is managed by Scale AI, which holds contracts with the U.S. Pentagon and other defense companies. Its chief executive, Alexandr Wang, is hailed by Forbes as the world’s youngest self‑made billionaire, while former managing director Michael Kratsios served as science adviser to former President Donald Trump.One contractor noted that users of Meta platforms would be shocked to learn their photos and friends’ images are being harvested for AI training, with workers manually reviewing profiles to extract data.The Guardian interviewed ten Outlier contributors – many also journalists, graduate students, teachers or librarians – who took the gig work out of economic desperation. One said, "A lot of us were really desperate" and felt compelled to accept the unstable, low‑pay assignments.These gig workers, dubbed “taskers,” often feel they are training their own replacements, expressing “internalised shame and guilt” over contributing to the automation of creative professions.Law firm Clarkson, representing AI gig workers, estimates that hundreds of thousands of people worldwide now labor on platforms like Outlier. Taskers report bait‑and‑switch recruitment tactics, where advertised high salaries are replaced by lower‑paid projects after onboarding.All contributors are monitored through a tool called Hubstaff, which can screenshot browsers to verify work. While Scale AI claims the software is only for accurate payment, workers describe it as constant surveillance.Assignments have ranged from transcribing pornographic audio and labeling photos of dead animals or dog faeces, to annotating diagrams of infant genitalia and violent police scenarios. One doctoral student recounted being promised “no nudity” only to receive explicit porn clips.Scale AI says it shuts down any task flagged as inappropriate and does not accept projects involving child sexual‑abuse material or pornography, though workers note that publicly available images of minors have been used for training.Social‑media scraping tasks required workers to tag individuals by name, location and age, sometimes pulling data from accounts of users under 18. One task asked contributors to order Facebook photos by the subject’s age, prompting ethical unease.In addition to personal data, taskers were asked to harvest copyrighted artwork, with strict instructions to avoid AI‑generated images and select only hand‑drawn pieces. Scale AI maintains it does not ask workers to violate copyright standards.Scale AI’s client list includes major tech firms such as Google, Meta and OpenAI, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense and the government of Qatar, highlighting the growing demand for labelled data as AI models scale.Some workers reported interacting with ChatGPT and Claude, and speculated they might be training Meta’s upcoming model, code‑named “Avocado.”OpenAI announced it ended its partnership with Scale AI in June 2025, citing its supplier code of conduct that mandates ethical treatment of all workers.Despite irregular pay, occasional mass layoffs and the unsettling nature of many tasks, many taskers remain on the Outlier platform, hoping the AI future will eventually improve conditions. One said, "I have to be positive about AI because the alternative is not great."In response, a Scale AI spokesperson stated, "Outlier provides flexible, project‑based work with transparent pay. Contributors choose when and how they participate, and we regularly hear from highly skilled contributors who value the flexibility and opportunity to apply their expertise on the platform."

The recent profanity-laden warning from US President Donald Trump to Iran has sparked renewed concerns about his behavior and the potential consequences of his actions. Trump's threats to carry out mass bombing of civilian infrastructure have been widely criticized, with many calling for his removal from office.One possible route for removal is the 25th amendment, which has been invoked by various politicians, including Senator Chris Murphy. However, the US system makes it incredibly difficult to remove a president, and it is unclear whether this method will be effective.The author suggests that if the 25th amendment cannot be used, an unconventional solution could be to replace Trump with an AI president. While AI is problematic, the author argues that it could be an upgrade from Trump's current behavior.The article also highlights the broader issues with the US political system, including the difficulty of removing incumbent politicians and the concerns about the mental acuity of some politicians, including Trump and Senator Dianne Feinstein.Ultimately, the author concludes that something needs to be done to address Trump's behavior and the potential consequences of his actions. Whether through the 25th amendment or an unconventional solution like an AI president, the author argues that the situation requires urgent attention.

Opening night of the Pet Shop Boys’ Obscure tour turned the Electric Ballroom in Camden into a shrine for deep‑cut enthusiasts. Frontman Neil Tennant opened with a cheeky promise – “no hits tonight” – and the crowd responded with delighted roars, eager for the rare material the duo had promised.The Obscure moniker is no accident. Tennant and synth‑master Chris Lowe rehearsed 35 songs from their 42‑year catalogue, deliberately sidestepping the familiar chart‑toppers in favour of B‑sides, album tracks and fan‑favourite deep cuts. A fan‑compiled Spotify playlist of 226 non‑single tracks illustrates just how vast the selection pool is, yet even that list fell short of the band’s final set.Two songs made their live debut: a never‑performed track from the unreleased stage show Naked titled “I Dream of a Better Tomorrow,” and the 1986 B‑side “Jack the Lad” from the Suburbia era, which had never before been heard on stage. Phones rose in the audience as Tennant sang the cheeky tale of a ne’er‑do‑well, capturing a moment that will likely become a new fan legend.Highlights included a soulful rendition of the 1990 ballad “To Face the Truth,” where Tennant’s hand‑over‑stomach gesture added a rare glimpse of vulnerability, and the 1987 piano‑driven “Do I Have To?” showcasing Lowe’s most tender synth‑piano work. The set also featured “King of Rome” (2009), its horn‑laden refrain enveloping the room in a warm, nostalgic glow.Interspersed with the music, Tennant acted as an urbane quizmaster, prompting the audience to shout B‑side titles and rewarding them with trivia – for example, a medley that combined 1993’s “One in a Million” with Culture Beat’s “Mr Vain,” performed for the first time since its original 1994 Latin America appearance.Closing the main set, the 2005 anthem “The Performance of My Life” evoked the duo’s early club‑scene roots, while the encore opened with the poignant B‑side “Your Funny Uncle” (1989), a lament that still resonates with listeners who first found solace in its lyrics during the AIDS crisis.In a final, forward‑looking moment, Tennant introduced “I Dream of a Better Tomorrow,” a brand‑new song taken from the unreleased stage production based on *The Emperor’s New Clothes*. He declared, “change is coming… the start of something new,” hinting at fresh creative directions beyond the archival focus of the tour.The Obscure run, part of the broader Dreamworld tour that began in 2022, demonstrates the Pet Shop Boys’ mastery of both pop craftsmanship and archival curation, offering fans a rare chance to hear the hidden gems that have long lived in the shadows of their massive catalogue.

Harry Styles has announced the full programme for this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, positioning the pop star as curator of a multi‑genre celebration that runs from 11 June to 21 June. In addition to headlining a solo show on 16 June at the Royal Festival Hall, Styles will perform amid his ongoing Wembley Stadium tour, while the festival showcases a broad spectrum of talent ranging from jazz to electronic dance music. The jazz segment features two sets by acclaimed US saxophonist Kamasi Washington: one dedicated to his album Fearless Movement and another titled “Jazz Legends Reimagined,” where he will reinterpret classic jazz compositions. Ethiopian‑born pioneer Mulatu Astatke returns after a farewell‑tour appearance, and the UK scene is represented by drummer Yussef Dayes and reed virtuoso Shabaka, who will join a collective of collaborators. Indie and rock offerings include LA band Warpaint (performing their sole gig of the year), British singer‑songwriter Nilüfer Yanya, and a mix of emerging and veteran acts such as Bar Italia, Stephen Fretwell and Getdown Services. Former Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks will deliver a hybrid set of music and storytelling, while Devonté Hynes (known as Blood Orange) will present a classical‑inspired performance with musicians Adam Tendler, Cæcilie Trier and Tariq Al‑Sabir. On the pop front, rising stars Erika de Casier and Fousheé will provide some of the season’s most forward‑thinking tracks. The electronic roster spans ambient pioneer Beverly Glenn‑Copeland, an improvised collaboration featuring Jon Hopkins, Maddie Ashman and Leo Abrahams, high‑tempo EDM from Australia’s Ninajirachi, and a DJ set by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. A parallel programme of free, family‑friendly events will showcase “a mix of appearances from Styles’ favourite artists beyond music,” according to the Southbank Centre. Speaking about the festival, Styles said: “Music is my life; every artist involved in this year’s Meltdown festival means so much to me, both as a fan, and a musician. It’s a true honour to host legends who have paved the way for the generations that follow them, as well as new acts that have inspired me to push my creative boundaries.” Tickets become available on 9 April for Southbank members and 10 April for the general public, with the event promising a unique blend of established icons and cutting‑edge talent.

Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold was given a rapturous welcome in Sydney after leading the Arab team to their first FIFA World Cup in 40 years. Hundreds of Iraqi football fans gathered at Sydney airport, chanting his name, waving flags, and singing to the beat of drums and tambourines.The 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff final came during a tumultuous time in Iraq, engulfed in the Middle East conflict. Despite the challenges, Iraq overcame a logistical nightmare and strong South American opposition to mark their return to the global showpiece event for the first time since 1986.Arnold, who formerly coached Australia, took charge of the Iraqi team in May and led them to three wins, three draws, and two losses in their World Cup qualification campaign. The Iraqi community in Australia ensured the coach didn't feel left out of the celebrations, with fans chanting 'Arnie, Arnie, Arnie, oi, oi, oi' as he spoke to local media.Arnold expressed his pride in the players, saying, 'I'm just very, very proud of the players and what they did, making many Iraqis happy is very important and that was the main thing.' Iraq will face a tough group at the World Cup, with opponents including France, Norway, and Senegal.

Match details: Real Madrid will host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, 7 April, kick‑off at 21:00 GMT, in the first leg of the Champions League quarter‑finals. Bayern, under Vincent Kompany, arrive in Madrid riding a wave of confidence, having dispatched Atalanta 10‑2 on aggregate in the last‑16 and gone 14 matches without defeat since a January loss. Harry Kane’s potential comeback adds extra intrigue. The England striker, who has netted 48 goals in 40 games across all competitions this season, missed Bayern’s 3‑2 Bundesliga win at Freiburg with an ankle problem. Joshua Kimmich quipped that Kane “would play in a wheelchair,” while Kompany expressed a “feeling” that the striker will be fit for Tuesday. Despite Real’s storied pedigree – 15‑time European champions featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham – many analysts view Bayern as the slight favourites, citing their aggressive, high‑pressing approach and the recent form of newcomers Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. Real Madrid, meanwhile, grapple with a spate of injuries. Thibaut Courtois is sidelined with a thigh issue, handing Andriy Lunin the starting goalkeeper role. Rodrygo is also out, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos remain doubtful. Midfielder Federico Valverde is expected back after serving a suspension, and Jude Bellingham may start on the bench as he recovers from a hamstring strain. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa downplayed the recent La Liga defeat to Mallorca, insisting it will not affect the team’s performance in Europe. He stated, “I know what my players are capable of, and they understand the importance of Tuesday’s game.” Bayern’s side will also miss several players through injury – goalkeepers Sven Ulreich and others – while a final fitness test will determine whether Kane can lead the line. If he is unavailable, Nicolas Jackson is slated to spearhead the attack. Predicted line‑ups (subject to change):Real Madrid – Lunin; Alexander‑Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Pitarch, Güler; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.Bayern Munich – Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane. The Bernabeu atmosphere is expected to be a decisive factor. Bayern veteran Karl‑Heinz Rummenigge warned that the stadium’s “hurricane” of fans demands “nerves of steel” from both sides. Historically, the two clubs have met 28 times, each securing 12 victories with four draws. Recent head‑to‑head encounters have favored Madrid, including a 2‑1 win in the 2024 semi‑finals. Bayern hope to rewrite that narrative after their 2012 triumph over the Spanish giants. With both teams boasting a blend of experience and emerging talent, the first leg promises a tactical battle that could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.

Democrats have strongly condemned Donald Trump's recent threats to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure, labeling them as potential war crimes and evidence of the president's mental instability.In a profanity-laden Easter Sunday message, Trump threatened to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran did not open the Strait of Hormuz. This has prompted several Democratic lawmakers to call for Trump's removal from office, citing concerns over his fitness to serve.Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, who is of Iranian descent, urged the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from the presidency, describing him as a deranged lunatic and a national security threat.Other Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries and Bernie Sanders, have also criticized Trump's threats, with Sanders calling on Congress to act to prevent the war.Legal experts have noted that attacks on civilian infrastructure would violate international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Pentagon's own Law of War Manual.Despite mounting criticism, Trump's Republican allies have largely supported him, with Lindsey Graham and Don Bacon defending the president's stance on Iran.The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 civilian casualties in Iran, according to Iranian officials, and has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the war.

A federal appeals court has ruled that New Jersey gaming regulators cannot prevent Kalshi from allowing people in the state to use its prediction market to place financial bets on the outcome of sporting events. The decision marks a significant victory for Kalshi and similar prediction market operators.The three-judge panel of the Philadelphia-based third US circuit court of appeals ruled 2-1, finding that the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has exclusive jurisdiction over the sports-related event contracts that Kalshi allows people to trade on its platform.This ruling is a major setback for states like New Jersey, which had argued that firms like Kalshi were operating without required state licenses, in violation of gaming laws, including bans on wagers by those under 21. New Jersey had sent Kalshi a cease-and-desist letter last year, stating that its listing of sports-related event contracts on its platform violated state gambling laws.Kalshi had sued the state, arguing that its event contracts qualify as “swaps”, a type of derivative contract, that under the Commodity Exchange Act can only be regulated by the CFTC, which had granted the company a license to operate a designated contract market (DCM).The ruling was in line with the position advanced by the CFTC under Donald Trump’s administration. The regulator sued Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois last week to prevent them from pursuing what it called unlawful efforts to regulate prediction markets.“Congress gave the CFTC exclusive jurisdiction over trades on DCMs, and this decision affirms the goals of Congress,” said Brooke Nethercott, a CFTC spokesperson.However, US circuit judge Jane Richards Roth dissented, saying Kalshi was facilitating gambling and that its “offerings were virtually indistinguishable from the betting products available on online sportsbooks, such as DraftKings and FanDuel”.The New Jersey attorney general's office said it was evaluating its options, including potentially asking the full third circuit to rehear the case.

Italy's World Cup qualifying playoff woes continued as they lost to Bosnia on penalties, following a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. Alessandro Bastoni's first-half red card in the Bosnia game was pivotal.Bastoni had been jeered by fans in away games for Inter Milan due to his actions in February's Derby d'Italia against Juventus, where he got Pierre Kalulu sent off. He apologized for his behavior, calling it 'really ugly'.Inter Milan bounced back from their slump with a convincing 5-2 win over Roma, Lautaro Martínez scoring. Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu also shone, with the latter scoring a goal of the season contender from 30 yards.The win eased Inter's nerves ahead of Serie A title contention, keeping their lead intact. Alessandro Bastoni received a standing ovation when substituted, with fans chanting his name.