7 h. ago Creative industries are among the UK’s crown jewels – and AI is out to steal them | John Naughton

The tech firms’ efforts to change copyright laws and gain free access to intellectual property is patently wrongThere are decades when nothing happens (as Lenin is – wrongly – supposed to have said) and weeks when decades happen. We’ve just lived through a few weeks like that. We’ve known for decades that some American tech companies were problematic for democracy because they were fragmenting the public sphere and fostering polarisation. They were a worrying nuisance, to be sure, but not central to the polity.And then, suddenly, those corporations were inextricably bound into government, and their narrow sectional interests became the national interest of the US. Which means that any foreign government with ideas about regulating, say, hate speech on X, may have to deal with the intemperate wrath of Donald Trump or the more coherent abuse of JD Vance. Continue reading...

Events

15 h. ago Time is running out for England's and Scotland’s Lions hopefuls to state their case | Ugo Monye

All the way across the field there are mouthwatering head-to-heads with players pushing for the tour to AustraliaFor British & Irish Lions hopefuls, time is running out. Three Test matches left to stake their claim, to catch Andy Farrell’s eye and book a place on the plane. Farrell is due to be at Twickenham on Saturday and he will be analysing everything. As a player that’s precisely where you want to be.At this stage of the Six Nations, England against Scotland feels all the more pivotal for Lions hopefuls. We can safely say that there will be a large Ireland contingent and, unless something dramatic happens in the coming weeks, a relatively small group of Wales players. That congested middle is full of England and Scotland players and that makes Saturday’s match all the more mouthwatering. Continue reading...

Politics

16 h. ago England v Scotland start time and TV channel for Six Nations

Scotland are hoping to extend their winning run against England in the latest edition of the Calcutta Cup this weekend

Politics

18 h. ago Scottish Labour pledges to tackle corridor care with more social care packages

The party proposes buying hundreds of temporary care home places so that patients who are medically fit can leave hospital while waiting for permanent support.

Politics

32 h. ago England promise ‘nastiness’ in Six Nations grudge match with Scotland

England are trying to avoid a fifth straight Calcutta Cup defeat for the first time in history and have vowed to match Scotland’s physicality

Politics

35 h. ago England and Scotland face new pressures in transformed Calcutta Cup rivalry

Scotland have never beaten the Auld Enemy five times in a row but stand on the brink of history as they travel to Twickenham

Events

46 h. ago DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Labour's AI plans are like telling burglars they can walk into houses

In their headlong rush to develop AI systems, big-tech firms seem determined to ride roughshod over the intellectual property rights of those whose material they want to appropriate.

Politics

47 h. ago The Scottish 'time capsule' pub that has remained unchanged since 1906

If you are a fan of a historic pub, then this bar in Edinburgh that dates back more than 130 years and has been described as "fabulous and friendly" is an absolute must-visit.

Politics

68 h. ago Meta and Google opt out of Sydney Mardi Gras amid move away from DEI in US

Former sponsors walk away from 2025 event – while organisers say they do not meet partnership requirementsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGoogle and Meta do not meet the requirements to partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the organisation has said, after the two tech giants ended their official involvement and ditched diversity obligations in the US.At the 47th annual Mardi Gras parade up Oxford Street next Saturday, a notable absence will be the two tech firms, previously event sponsors.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Microsoft unveils chip it says could bring quantum computing within years

Chip is powered by world’s first topoconductor, which can create new state of matter that is not solid, liquid or gasQuantum computers could be built within years rather than decades, according to Microsoft, which has unveiled a breakthrough that it said could pave the way for faster development.The tech firm has developed a chip which, it says, echoes the invention of the semiconductors that made today’s smartphones, computers and electronics possible by miniaturisation and increased processing power. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Andy Robertson given Liverpool future timeline as Scotland skipper told he needs to make major change to his game

Injuries and some shaky showings have left Reds fans wondering if they need a new left back, but a former striker doesn't think so

Politics

3 d. ago Woman dragged off street at knifepoint and raped by sex offender slams 'soft touch' justice system

Vicky Maclean was raped by John McDougall in a horrific sex attack in 2000 and has slammed Scotland's justice system after he went on to reoffend multiple times

Events

4 d. ago John Swinney pledges extra £25m to help Grangemouth workers as oil refinery prepares for shut down

More than 400 jobs will be lost when Scotland's last oil refinery ceases production in two months' time.

Economics

4 d. ago Hospital waiting times in Scotland could be cut thanks to Glasgow firm’s AI tech

“While ramping up Infix in Scotland is our main priority this year, we’re now also actively engaging with NHS England” – Matthew Freer, CEO

Science

5 d. ago John Cena announced for WWE Raw in Glasgow as 2025 Farewell Tour takes over Europe

The 16-time champion will make his final Scotland goodbye after a glittering career

Politics

5 d. ago Scotland braced for snow and ice ahead of predicted sharp rise in temperature

The average temperature in Scotland for the time of year is 6C

Politics