Apple has suspended a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature that had been generating incorrect news summaries, drawing widespread criticism for its repeated errors. The feature, which sent notifications that appeared to originate from news organizations’ apps, had sparked complaints from major media outlets, including the BBC.

The tech giant confirmed the suspension in a statement, with an Apple spokesperson saying, “We are working on improvements and will make them available in a future software update.” The company’s decision follows mounting pressure to withdraw the service, which many saw as contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a global journalism advocacy organization, voiced its concerns, stating that the feature underscored the dangers of rushing out new technology. “Innovation must never come at the expense of the right of citizens to receive reliable information,” said RSF’s Vincent Berthier, urging Apple to ensure that the feature would not return until it could guarantee the accuracy of the generated headlines.

One of the most notable incidents involved the BBC, which reported that the AI feature falsely summarized a story about the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The summary inaccurately stated that the suspect had shot himself, raising serious concerns about the potential harm of such false reports. The feature also misrepresented headlines from Sky News, the New York Times, and the Washington Post.

Jonathan Bright, head of AI for public services at the Alan Turing Institute, explained that “hallucinations,” where AI models generate inaccurate or fabricated information, are a real concern. Bright noted that while human oversight can mitigate this issue, there is no guaranteed way to prevent AI systems from making such errors, especially as tech companies race to be the first to release new features.

The BBC had raised concerns with Apple in December, but the company did not respond until January, when it promised a software update to clarify the role of AI in the summary generation. This update, however, was criticized for not going far enough. In response, Apple decided to disable the feature entirely for news and entertainment apps, with the latest beta software releases of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3. For other apps, AI-generated summaries will now appear in italicized text.

“We’re pleased that Apple has listened to our concerns and is pausing the summarization feature for news,” said a BBC spokesperson. “Our priority is the accuracy of the news we deliver to audiences, which is essential to building and maintaining trust.”

Apple’s quick reversal highlights the challenges tech companies face as they integrate AI into content creation and the importance of maintaining trust in news reporting. The company’s response is seen as a rare acknowledgment of the risks posed by AI in shaping public perceptions of the news.

A two-year-old boy from North London has become the youngest person to be treated for cancer using Nanoknife technology, and he is now cancer-free.

George, from Camden, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer, in his liver and bile duct during the summer of 2023. His father, Jonathan, recalled the moment of the diagnosis as devastating. “I will never forget that moment,” Jonathan said. “It felt like my entire world had collapsed.”

After undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy, George was treated with Nanoknife technology at King’s College Hospital. This pioneering treatment uses electrical currents to target and destroy cancerous tissue. Surgeons successfully removed the tumor from George’s liver, ensuring clear margins around the affected area.

Jonathan expressed his relief and joy, saying, “The surgeons managed to remove all the tumor, and had clear margins all the way around the removed section of his liver. This was the news we’d been hoping and praying for.” He added that from the moment George was diagnosed, he and his family worked tirelessly to ensure their son received the best possible treatment. “We loved that the Nanoknife was something new and groundbreaking, and we felt we had some input into making it happen.”

Eighteen months after his initial diagnosis, George is now cancer-free and began attending nursery school in September. His recovery has been celebrated as a remarkable success, and he was recently awarded the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award for his bravery throughout the treatment process.

George’s story highlights the potential of innovative medical technologies in the fight against cancer, offering hope to families facing similar challenges. The use of Nanoknife technology marks a significant step forward in the treatment of pediatric cancers, with George serving as a testament to the possibilities of new, life-saving treatments.

The family’s journey, while marked by fear and uncertainty, has ended on a hopeful note, with George’s future brighter than ever.