Global technology updates: AI theft allegations, Pix malware, and NASA advancements

Several major technological developments and security concerns have emerged. In the United States, the NSA, CISA, and FBI have accused Chinese companies, including Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Moonshot, of “maliciously” copying advanced AI models to reduce costs.

In Brazil, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reported a new malware infecting 90 online stores. The malware alters Pix QR codes and “Pix Copia e Cola” data in real-time during checkout, diverting funds to scammers.

In aerospace, NASA’s X-59 experimental supersonic aircraft has completed another test flight as the agency prepares to evaluate the sonic boom produced when the aircraft exceeds the speed of sound. Additionally, NASA is seeking proposals for technologies to support the construction of a lunar base at the Moon's south pole by 2028.

Regarding artificial intelligence, an OECD study linked daily AI use to the lowest average performance levels observed among students in the PISA 2025 results. Meanwhile, researchers at Calif have developed “WeWorm,” an AI-driven tool capable of hacking mobile phones without requiring the victim to click any links or files. Evan Hubinger, an alignment testing leader at Anthropic, also warned that there is a greater than 10% chance of AI leading to human extinction by the end of the decade.

In consumer electronics, Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 5.4-inch external screen.