Almost all the links in my front homepage are sponsored now. What's next, a few ads in the bookmark bar? How about when I enter a URL, I then have to type "McDonald's" before I can actually navigate there?

It's debatable whether this belongs in the Steam Deck community, but these are all high profile games, and having to login with additional online accounts is a significant barrier to play on the Deck.

I was pretty impressed they had so much. This is one little portion lol

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24874292

(maxdyner) (2025)

Image description: A large dragon standing in the middle of a turbulent ocean, roaring with its mouth wide open, showing its sharp teeth and red eyes. The dragon has dark blue scales and large wings with orange patches. The setting is a stormy scene with dark clouds, heavy rain, and lightning striking in the background. The ocean waves are crashing against rocks, adding to the dramatic and intense atmosphere of the scene.

An automated social media profile developed to harness the powers of artificial intelligence to promote Israel's cause online is also pushing out blatantly false information, including anti-Israel misinformation, in an ironic yet concerning example of the risks of using the new generative technologies for political ends.

Among other things, the alleged pro-Israel bot denied that an entire Israeli family was murdered on October 7, blamed Israel for U.S. plans to ban TikTok, falsely claimed that Israeli hostages weren't released despite blatant evidence to the contrary and even encouraged followers to "show solidarity" with Gazans, referring them to a charity that raises money for Palestinians. In some cases, the bot criticzed pro-Israel accounts, including the official government account on X – the same accounts it was meant to promote.

The bot, an Haaretz examination found, is just one of a number of so-called "hasbara" technologies developed since the start of the war. Many of these technologically-focused public diplomacy initiatives utilized AI, though not always for content creation. Some of them also received support from Israel, which scrambled to back different tech and civilian initiatives since early 2024, and has since poured millions into supporting different projects focused on monitoring and countering anti-Israeli and antisemitism on social media.

Summary

Donald Trump’s attempt to freeze trillions in federal spending sparked backlash and legal challenges, drawing comparisons to Nixon’s Watergate-era abuses.

The freeze, orchestrated by former OMB head Russ Vought, aimed to bypass the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which prevents presidents from withholding congressionally approved funds.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the order, setting up a likely Supreme Court battle.

Critics call it an unconstitutional power grab, while some fear Trump’s confidence signals a favorable court ruling.