Tech Unfiltered with Dr. Mike

Dr. Michael Litman

A daily, practical look at the artificial-intelligence stories changing ordinary life. Dr. Michael Litman separates reported facts from forecasts, explains what the technology can and cannot do, and focuses on the choices people, organizations, and policymakers face next.

  1. 20h ago

    AI Training: Can Website Owners Make One Shared Choice? | Tech Unfiltered

    A proposed shared preference could make it easier for website owners to express choices about AI training. In this November 1, 2026 episode, Dr. Mike explains today's reporting on the October 30 draft and company announcements, the different adoption timelines, and why training, answer-time use and search visibility need separate attention. TAKEAWAYS • This is an individual Internet-Draft, not a finished IETF-endorsed standard. • A training preference in robots.txt is separate from a crawler's permission to fetch a page. Company-specific rules and private agreements can affect precedence. • Anthropic says implementation has started; OpenAI describes plans for the coming months. Google targets 2027, and Microsoft names February 1, 2027 as a start date as content is crawled. • Google's handling depends on the site's specific Google Extended choices. • Microsoft distinguishes training from grounding; restricting grounding reduces AI visibility, while ordinary Bing eligibility still depends on normal crawling and indexing requirements. • The cooking website is an analogy. A preference does not automatically untrain a model, arrange payment or control every copy of content. • Easier choices for smaller publishers are a possible benefit, dependent on implementation and adoption. This is news explanation, not an instruction to change a live site. SOURCES The Indian Express — November 1 reporting https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/new-standard-publishers-opt-out-ai-training-10945678/ Individual Internet-Draft — October 30 https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/draft-kelley-aipref-training-preference-signal-00 Anthropic — implementation statement https://mailarchive.ietf.org/arch/msg/ai-control/mddjatOxSR0h6GmLRBWlc839c7w/ OpenAI — voluntary preference effort https://openai.com/index/helping-websites-express-ai-training-preferences/ Google — training controls https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/10/ai-training-control Microsoft — training and grounding https://blogs.bing.com/search/2026/10/your-content-your-choice-clearer-preferences-for-training-and-grounding/ This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual, not photographs of actual events. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  2. 1d ago

    AI and Your Power Bill: Who Pays for the New Grid? | Tech Unfiltered

    Rising electricity prices and data-center growth are putting utility cost decisions in the spotlight. In this October 31, 2026 episode, Dr. Mike explains why computing and cooling need power, why AI is not the only factor in electricity prices, and how contracts and utility decisions determine who pays for new infrastructure. TAKEAWAYS • Reuters reports US residential electricity prices more than 10% above 2024, citing EIA. That does not establish AI as the sole cause. • EIA's 18.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for 2026 is a forecast; 16.5 cents is the 2024 figure. • At an illustrative 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, those unit prices imply $165 versus $182 before account-specific charges. This $17 difference is an example, not a household prediction. • Data centers need power for computing and cooling; not all their work is AI. • The town and substation example is hypothetical. Benefits and cost exposure depend on contracts, regulation and the local grid. • DOE's framework is background policy, not a new announcement today or proof every project complies. • Distinguish the unit rate from total usage and the monthly bill. SOURCES Reuters via CNA — October 31 reporting https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/power-bills-and-data-centers-cast-rare-spotlight-utilities-in-us-midterms-6509406 US Energy Information Administration — October outlook, background https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/elec_coal_renew.php US Department of Energy — data-center framework, background https://www.energy.gov/powering-americas-ai-future-data-center-resource-hub This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual, not photographs of actual events. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  3. 2d ago

    Meta's AI Content Terms Face a UK Probe: Who Gets a Choice? | Tech Unfiltered

    Britain's competition regulator opened an investigation on October 30, 2026 into Meta's proposed commercial terms. The issue is whether businesses and publishers using Meta services would have meaningful choice over collection and reuse of their website content, including for AI products. Dr. Mike explains the stakes for original information and the difference between audience access and reuse permission. TAKEAWAYS • The CMA is investigating dominance and possible abuse. It has made no finding that Meta broke the law. • The proposed terms are paused pending consultation. Existing terms remain in place. • Meta disputes the basis for the investigation and says it committed to consult before making changes. • The Professional Publishers Association wants separate choice and fair licensing. That is an interested party's request, not an ordered outcome. • The local publisher example is hypothetical. Discussion of bargaining power and funding original work is analysis, not evidence of a newsroom closure. • This UK commercial-terms case does not establish a worldwide AI ban, an American ruling, a fine or compensation. SOURCES UK Competition and Markets Authority — primary announcement, October 30 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-opens-investigation-into-metas-commercial-terms--2 Reuters via CNA — independent reporting and Meta response, October 30 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/uks-cma-opens-investigation-metas-terms-publishers-and-advertisers-6506906 Professional Publishers Association — publisher trade-group position, October 30 https://ppa.co.uk/ppa-welcomes-cma-investigation-into-metas-proposed-commercial-terms Reuters via Investing.com — background on the pause, October 28 https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/meta-delays-indefinitely-its-rollout-of-new-commercial-terms-after-publishers-concerns-4980457 This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual, not photographs of actual events. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  4. 3d ago

    AI Investment Helps Lift GDP. What Does It Mean for Your Household? | Tech Unfiltered

    The October 29, 2026 advance estimate shows US real GDP growing at a 3.4% annualized pace in the third quarter, up from 2.2% in the prior quarter. Reporting connects strong business investment to the AI boom. Dr. Mike explains what those numbers show, and why national growth alone cannot tell you how your household is doing. TAKEAWAYS • The 3.4% annualized pace is different from the roughly 0.8% actual quarterly increase. • This is a first estimate, subject to revision; the next update is scheduled for November 25. • AP reports 12.7% annualized growth in business investment outside housing. The official release does not isolate an exact AI contribution. • Building AI infrastructure creates activity today, while lasting productivity and household benefits still need evidence. • GDP measures domestic production. Imported equipment and broader non-AI spending categories complicate simple spending claims. • Measure the whole task, including checking and correcting results, when considering productivity. SOURCES BEA — Third-quarter 2026 GDP, advance estimate, October 29 https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-advance-estimate-3rd-quarter-2026 Associated Press via KSAT — independent reporting, October 29 https://www.ksat.com/business/2026/10/29/us-economy-grows-at-brisk-34-pace-in-third-quarter-on-strong-consumer-spending-and-ai-investment/ Reuters via MarketScreener — independent reporting, October 29 https://ca.marketscreener.com/news/us-economic-growth-accelerates-in-third-quarter-ce785cd3d08ffe2d The contractor, technician and ten-minute shortcut examples are hypothetical illustrations. Interpretation about productivity and household outcomes is distinguished from the published findings. This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  5. 4d ago

    New York Signs AI Chatbot Safeguards for Kids: What Changes? | Tech Unfiltered

    New York signed legislation on October 28, 2026 restricting unsafe AI companion features for minors. The new restrictions take effect January 1, 2027. Dr. Mike explains the boundaries, age checks, privacy rules and practical questions for families. TAKEAWAYS • The law applies to New York users and is not a blanket ban on chatbots. • Restricted features include claims of human identity or relationships, secrecy, certain memory reuse and harmful content. • Interim age checks cannot rely solely on claiming to be an adult; operators must offer multiple methods, including an option without government ID or anonymous to the operator. • Age-check information is purpose-limited and must be deleted immediately afterward, except as needed to comply with applicable law. • Limited-purpose exceptions apply. The attorney general may seek court relief, including penalties up to $25,000 per violation; penalties are not automatic. SOURCES New York Governor — October 28 signing announcement https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-nation-leading-legislation-protect-kids-ai-chatbots-and-ensure-baby Final legislative text — A10379C https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2025/A10379C New York Senate — bill action history https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10379 Times Union — independent reporting, October 28 https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/hochul-signing-bills-regulating-ai-kid-chats-22497981.php The homework and secret-confidant contrast is hypothetical. Practical takeaways are Dr. Mike's interpretation, not evidence that the law will work or that every service already complies. This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  6. 5d ago

    Australia's AI Cyber Warning: Keeping Everyday Services Working | Tech Unfiltered

    Australia's cyber agency warns that more capable AI is amplifying cyber threats. In the October 27, 2026 edition of Tech Unfiltered, Dr. Mike examines why that matters for ordinary people and the connected services they rely on. TAKEAWAYS • Cybercrime reports and incidents responded to are different measures; the report does not quantify the share caused by AI. • AI can assist both attackers and defenders. Capability does not guarantee an outcome. • Organizations need clear responsibility for security, human review and recovery. • Existing guidance includes stronger sign-in protection, updates, backups and independently checking suspicious messages. These reduce risk without guaranteeing complete protection. SOURCES Australian Signals Directorate — October 27 release https://www.asd.gov.au/news/2026-10-27-australian-signals-directorate-releases-seventh-annual-cyber-threat-report-2025-26 ABC News — independent reporting, October 27 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-27/australian-signals-directorate-ai-cybersecurity-hacking-threats/107309858 Annual Cyber Threat Report — executive summary https://www.cyber.gov.au/publication/annual-cyber-threat-report-2025-26/executive-summary Existing personal security guidance https://www.cyber.gov.au/publication/personal-cyber-security-handbook Existing small-business AI guidance https://www.cyber.gov.au/publication/artificial-intelligence-for-small-business Existing scam guidance https://www.cyber.gov.au/publication/personal-cyber-security-handbook/learn-how-to-spot-scams The agency release and ABC reporting are dated October 27; the underlying report overview lists October 26. The booking-system outage is hypothetical, not a reported incident. Broader relevance beyond Australia and the practical questions are Dr. Mike's interpretation. The security guidance cited predates today's announcement. This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  7. 6d ago

    Anthropic Files for an IPO: Money, Control & AI Accountability | Tech Unfiltered

    Anthropic, the company behind Claude, publicly filed for an IPO on October 26, 2026. Dr. Mike examines what this step reveals about money, control and the AI services people increasingly depend on. Filing is not a completed stock market debut or SEC endorsement. TAKEAWAYS • The company proposes Class A shares and the Nasdaq symbol ANT; share count, price range and offering date remain undetermined. • Reported first-half revenue was about $16.3 billion. The $80.7 billion net loss includes roughly $72.4 billion in noncash financing-related charges; net loss is not the same as cash spent on servers. • Founder voting power and a trust's board-election rights are separate mechanisms, and voting power is not economic ownership. • Disclosed AI risks describe possible outcomes, not a prediction of catastrophe or proof that safeguards work. • Funding, technical reliability and independent oversight are distinct questions. Review permissions, check important outputs and keep copies of your work. SOURCES Anthropic announcement — October 26, 2026 https://www.anthropic.com/news/s1-sec Associated Press — syndicated report https://www.compuserve.com/tech/story/0001/20261026/ca2f4c282bef3201a392e59e3df2300c SEC filing — linked for reference https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2130357/000162828026067168/anthropicpbc-sx1.htm Yahoo Finance — ownership and voting control https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/anthropics-ipo-filing-sheds-new-light-on-who-stands-to-make-money-from-public-debut-142141184.html NDTV Profit — financial reporting and noncash charges https://www.ndtvprofit.com/markets/anthropic-s-1-ipo-filing-80-7b-net-loss-masked-by-paper-charges-as-revenue-hits-16-3b-12239090 Stock Titan — indexed filing excerpts https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/ANT/s-1-anthropic-pbc-files-s-1-registration-statement-a0477b41760e.html Financial details are attributed to reported and indexed filing excerpts; direct access to the complete SEC document was unavailable during production. The small-business invoicing example is hypothetical. Statements about incentives are Dr. Mike's interpretation, not evidence of a change in prices or safeguards. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell shares. This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

  8. Oct 25

    Google AI and Your Privacy: The Personal Intelligence Ad Tradeoff | Tech Unfiltered

    Connecting an AI assistant to your apps can make it more useful. It can also change how information derived from those apps is used. In this October 25, 2026 edition, Dr. Mike examines Google's Personal Intelligence privacy and advertising tradeoff. Today's Indian Express coverage revisits a policy effective October 16. This is not a claim that Google launched the policy today or automatically connected every Gmail account. TAKEAWAYS • Connected content is subject to the receiving service's policies and settings. • Google says ads are not based directly on your Gmail inbox or Photos library, but summaries, excerpts and inferences may inform advertising. • Google says advertisers cannot access your connected inbox or photo library. • Sensitive-category exclusions and reversible app connections are company-stated safeguards, not independently audited findings in this episode. • Search Engine Land reported an AI Mode advertising test, not universal availability. • Review connected services and their permitted uses. Disconnecting does not promise deletion of past data or removal of all ads. SOURCES Google Privacy Policy — effective October 16, 2026 https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en Google Search Help — Personal Intelligence and connected apps https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/16859283?hl=en Indian Express — October 25, 2026 reporting https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/googles-ai-personalisation-targeted-ads-user-data-10936203/ 9to5Google — October 23, 2026 https://9to5google.com/2026/10/23/google-will-target-ads-based-on-gmail-photos-data-if-personal-intelligence-is-enabled/ Search Engine Land — October 16, 2026 https://searchengineland.com/google-begins-testing-ads-in-ai-mode-for-users-with-personal-intelligence-enabled-496990 This episode uses AI-generated narration and editorial illustrations. Visuals are conceptual, not screenshots of actual Google interfaces. The travel-assistant example is hypothetical; Dr. Mike's interpretation is distinguished from reported facts. The complete standard intro remains at normal speed; the episode after it is presented at 1.10×. The RSS audio edition retains normal-speed narration. This audio edition uses AI-generated narration.

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About

A daily, practical look at the artificial-intelligence stories changing ordinary life. Dr. Michael Litman separates reported facts from forecasts, explains what the technology can and cannot do, and focuses on the choices people, organizations, and policymakers face next.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Litman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Michael Litman
  • Show Website
    Tech Unfiltered with Dr. Mike