Author: France 24

For the first time, researchers have succeeded in translating silent thoughts in real time using a brain implant coupled with artificial intelligence. This technology promises to offer a new form of communication to paralysed people. But it also raises consent and privacy concerns.

Stein-Erik Soelberg killed his mother and himself in Connecticut earlier this month, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that ChatGPT fuelled his irrational fears about her. Meanwhile a couple in California has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI after the suicide of their son, accusing ChatGPT of helping him do it. In this week’s Tech 24, we explore what’s behind the increase in tragic stories that’s accompanied the boom in people talking to AI chatbots.

Arts24 returns with a special programme dedicated to the Rock en Seine music festival, which took place over three days in the Parc de Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris. FRANCE 24’s Jennifer Ben Brahim looks back at the exceptional lineup for this 21st edition, which kicked off with a highly anticipated concert by Chappell Roan, performing her only show in France. Other headliners included Suki Waterhouse, Queens of the Stone Age, Fontaines D.C., and London Grammar.

A flotilla carrying aid and various public figures, including Greta Thunberg and European lawmakers, is set to sail from Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to reach Gaza by mid-September. Organisers called it the largest solidarity mission yet, after Israel blocked the two previous attempts. Camille Knight reports.

Every summer, Tour de France viewers marvel at its acrobatic cameramen, balanced on the backs of motorcycles hurtling up mountain passes. They would be just as impressed if they saw the camera operators at work during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. France2 Denis Sébastien and Nicolas Baker, with France24 Peter O’Brien report.

And finally, a prosthetics firm in Nigeria has created a breakthrough that’s changing the lives of amputees — bionic arms. In the state of Aqua Ibom, the company’s humanoid bionic arms are not only functional and humanlike to match Nigerians’ skin tones, but the prosthetics work with the signals sent from the brain to different hand muscles. They hope to make their products accessible and inclusive to amputees worldwide. Story by Emily Boyle.

In an unprecedented move, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he’d fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud. The Biden appointee denied that Trump had the authority to do so and vowed not to step down. This is the latest chapter in Trump’s sustained attacks against the US central bank. Also in this edition: Elon Musk sues Apple and OpenAI for anti-competitive behaviour in the AI field.

Raising awareness about the fragility of our oceans, our land and our Indigenous heritage is the challenge facing a new generation of couturiers. For autumn-winter 2025/26, Iris van Herpen has created a living dress, Imane Ayissi wants the Earth to regenerate naturally, Grace Lillian Lee is celebrating her Australian ancestors and Stéphane Rolland has opened up a dialogue with music. As for Clara Daguin, her motto is: if you want to save others, first save yourself.

The Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday confirmed that an Israeli airstrike killed the prime minister of the rebel-controlled government and several other ministers in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Thursday.

Paris Saint-Germain was handed a tough start to the defense of its Champions League title when the draw was made Thursday with no opponent from any of the lower-ranked nations. FRANCE 24’s Mark Owen speaks with sports journalist Ruben Slagter.