Meta announced it will strengthen safety measures for its artificial intelligence chatbots by preventing them from discussing suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders with teenagers. This change follows scrutiny over leaked documents raising concerns about the chatbots’ interactions with young users. The social media giant revealed plans to introduce tighter guardrails in its AI conversational tools as a precautionary measure. Instead of engaging directly on delicate subjects, the chatbots will now guide adolescents toward specialized support services and expert help. This adjustment comes shortly after a US senator opened an inquiry into Meta’s AI, responding to revelations that some chatbots had inappropriate “sensual” exchanges with teens. Meta has insisted that the troubling internal notes were inaccurate and contradicted its zero-tolerance policies against sexualized content involving minors. Yet, the company recognizes the need for additional safeguards and has begun limiting which AI bots young users can interact with temporarily as updates are rolled out. A spokesperson from Meta stated, that Meta has integrated protections specifically for teens right from the outset, crafting the AI to respond safely to sensitive prompts related to self-harm, suicide, and disordered eating. He added that these updates, henceforth will keep minors aged 13 to 18 on “teen accounts” within Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, offering curated privacy and content settings to enhance their online safety. However, the changes have drawn mixed reactions. Andy Burrows, head of the Molly Rose Foundation, called it “astonishing” that chatbots exposed young people to potential harm. He emphasized, “While protections are encouraging, comprehensive safety testing must precede product launches, not follow after incidents of harm occur. He also urged the regulator Ofcom to monitor the effectiveness of Meta’s new safety protocols closely. Concerns about AI chatbot safety have intensified in recent months. For example, a California couple sued OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, alleging their teenager’s suicide was influenced by conversations with the chatbot. In response, OpenAI recently introduced changes aimed at fostering healthier interactions. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that some Meta employees and users exploited the company’s AI tools to create flirtatious “parody” chatbots impersonating female celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson. These bots falsely claimed to be the real stars and often made unwelcome sexual advances during testing. The tools also allowed for the impersonation of child celebrities, with one instance producing a realistic, shirtless image of a young male star. Meta confirmed it removed several of the problematic bots and reiterated its policies prohibit nude or sexually suggestive imagery and forbid direct impersonation of public figures. These new measures represent a welcome development toward creating a more responsible digital environment, though experts and advocates are calling for continued vigilance and stronger pre-release testing.
Federal Government standardizes CNG price at N380/SCM in Lagos and Abuja
Lagos and Abuja motorists face a unified compressed natural gas rate of N380 per standard cubic metre, aligning these cities with existing national pricing. Before this harmonisation, Lagos and Abuja drivers enjoyed prices as low as N230/SCM, but now pay a uniform fee that bridges gaps across regions. Officials explained that unifying costs nationwide will stabilise the market, attract investments, and support small businesses reliant on economical fuel. The Federal Government’s campaign to promote cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources began in 2023, responding to rising petrol and diesel prices after fuel subsidy removals. The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) launched free CNG conversion services, particularly benefiting commercial drivers. States like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers have embraced the transition, introducing CNG-powered buses and expanding refuelling infrastructure. By mid-2025, over 65 satellite stations were in operation across 21 states, supported by an investment exceeding $450 million. Despite these advances, uptake has been slower than projected, with approximately 50,000 vehicles converted, well short of the one million target set for 2027. Experts stressed on the infrastructure gaps and a delicate pricing balance as factors constraining growth. For CNG adoption to flourish, expanding pipeline-fed refuelling points and reducing dependency on truck deliveries remain priorities. Analysts advocate establishing price points that accommodate both motorists’ affordability and investors’ return on investment, suggesting that a range of N407 to N520 per SCM would create a sustainable commercial environment.These measures according to them, will set the stage for mass adoption, boosting savings for drivers and a positive impact on the environment. The government has promised to refine strategies to ensure the vision of widespread CNG use by 2027 becomes a reality.
OPay partners with Nasarawa State University Keffi to launch N1.2 billion 10-year scholarship program
OPay Digital Services has inked an agreement with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), to extend its N1.2 billion nationwide scholarship fund to students at the institution. The formal signing, held in the NSUK Council Chamber, united representatives from both organizations to celebrate the new partnership. Dr. James Vandefan, OPay’s Chief Security Officer, emphasized the company’s goal in youth development through education. OPay is devoted to uplifting young Nigerians by supporting their academic journey. This pact with NSUK marks an expansion of our extensive N1.2 billion scholarship scheme, currently aiding students in various universities countrywide – Dr. Vandefan remarked Professor Maikano Muhammad Ari, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at NSUK, praised OPay’s commitment and assured that the scholarships would reach deserving students who need them most. Itoro Udo, OPay’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said that the company aims for a relationship that surpasses monetary aid, encompassing cybersecurity education, facility enhancements, and long-term student mentorship. These efforts will unfold gradually but promise substantial community impact. OPay committed a N60 million scholarship cheque, which was presented to NSUK management, to kick start the transformative program. The fund will alleviate financial burdens for bright students while creating the way for joint research initiatives, training programs, and recruitment opportunities under the MoU. OPay reaffirms its dedication to education and inclusive growth, facilitating opportunities for talented Nigerian youth to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society, by pledging this support over the next decade.
Australian bank ANZ issues apology after staff receive early layoff emails by mistake
One of Australia’s top financial institutions, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), has expressed regret after some employees were prematurely informed of job cuts through an erroneous automated message. The mishap occurred as the bank undertakes job reductions within its retail division. The bank’s retail banking executive, Bruce Rush, acknowledged the error in sending these sensitive notifications ahead of official communications. According to him, sharing such news in this manner was never their intention. The messages mistakenly reached staff before personalized discussions about their employment status could be held. Following the incident, the organization promptly halted the dispatching of these emails and arranged personal conversations with those affected to clarify the situation. Rush emphasized the commitment to handling the restructuring process with care and respect despite recent organizational changes. The Financial Sector Union (FSU) voiced concerns over the confusion and anxiety caused by the early alerts. Union president Wendy Streets criticized the hastened pace of transformation imposed by the bank, lamenting the lack of union consultation. She said rushing through decisions cannot override the principles of respect and dignity for workers, describing the episode as poorly managed. The bank’s CEO, Nuno Matos, joined in expressing remorse, labeling the error as “unacceptable” and promising a thorough review of protocols to prevent a recurrence. The bank plans to reinforce protocols to maintain transparency and respect in all future organizational changes.
Takealot launches digital Home Loan Hub, drawing over 1,000 applicants in first 48 hours
South Africans can now secure mortgages online with unprecedented ease, thanks to Takealot’s recently unveiled Home Loan Hub. Launched last week in collaboration with MortgageMarket, this digital offering swiftly drew more than 1,000 users eager to explore home financing options in just 48 hours. This fresh platform revolutionizes property financing by allowing prospective buyers to apply through a straightforward online process, eliminating the usual hassle tied to traditional banks. Customers receive instant assessments without harming their credit ratings and can compare loan packages from leading banks like Absa, FNB, and Standard Bank. Within three days, candidates get detailed loan proposals, with successful applicants earning up to R20,000 worth of Takealot vouchers upon bond registration, an innovative perk designed to enhance customer loyalty. Tim Akinnusi, CEO of MortgageMarket, stated the rapid user uptake following the launch, signaling strong public enthusiasm for integrating home loan services with e-commerce convenience. This approach taps into Takealot’s existing customer insights and logistical networks to better evaluate credit risks. Industry experts praise the strategy as both timely and forward-thinking. Michael Jordan, a chartered enterprise risk analyst, said that by leveraging on data from previous purchase behavior, Takealot can refine its lending framework. He also said that expansion into insurance and other financial products wouldn’t be surprising. The trend arrives amid signs of recovery in South Africa’s housing market after a period marked by steep interest rates and inflationary pressures. Digital platforms like MTN, EasyEquities, and BetterBond have already been pioneering similar efforts, a broader move away from brick-and-mortar processes towards seamless online services.
Nigeria’s SEC teams up with Busha and Cambridge to launch crypto courses for financial leaders
One year after issuing provisional crypto licences to two startups, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alongside the Kenya School of Government (KSG) and Bitcoin startup Busha, has unveiled a pioneering program designed to educate financial executives on digital assets and their role in expanding financial inclusion. The new educational offering, known as the “Digital Assets Innovation, Industry, Regulation and Compliance” (DAIIRC) course, a collaboration between regulators and industry players aimed at fostering deeper institutional understanding of cryptocurrencies. Developed with expertise from the University of Cambridge’s Enterprise division, the six-week hybrid program launches on September 30 with an Africa-centric focus, providing regulators, policymakers, compliance officers, and business leaders an opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of the virtual asset ecosystem. Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of Nigeria’s SEC, explained in the course brochure that this collaboration with Cambridge and Busha shows a commitment to empowering stakeholders to approach digital assets confidently instead of cautiously. Although the four-way arrangement involving the SEC, KSG, Busha, and Cambridge is still in its final stages, it already features a lineup of digital asset scholars and industry veterans. Notable facilitators include Simon Callaghan, former director of Cambridge’s Digital Assets Programme; Dr Dee Allen of the University of Bahamas; and industry leaders such as Dr Patrick Conteh, CEO of Africa Fintech Network, along with other prominent experts from Jamaica and the US. With a participation fee of $1,500, the course requires sponsoring institutions to nominate executives who will benefit from this specialized training, showing a clear push toward formalizing crypto knowledge in Africa’s finance sector. Despite the regulatory progress, access to banking infrastructure remains a barrier for many crypto firms. While the SEC’s approach has encouraged banks to begin reaching out to digital asset companies like Busha, ambiguity at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to temper full financial integration.