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OpenAI launches mental health council to guide ChatGPT and Sora on emotional well-being amid growing scrutiny

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

OpenAI has formed a new Expert Council on Well-Being and AI, a group of eight specialists who will advise the company on how its artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and the short-form video app Sora, affect users’ mental health, emotions, and motivation.

The council will help OpenAI define what healthy interactions with AI should look like, as the company moves deeper into integrating emotionally aware technologies across its platforms. According to OpenAI, the group will meet regularly and conduct ongoing evaluations to ensure that future product developments align with mental health safety standards.

The formation of the council comes at a critical time for OpenAI, which has faced increasing scrutiny over the psychological and social implications of generative AI systems. Regulators, child safety advocates, and mental health professionals have raised concerns that chatbots could exacerbate anxiety, loneliness, or depressive behaviors—especially among young users who spend long hours engaging with conversational AI.

In September, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened an inquiry into several technology firms, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta, over the potential mental health risks posed by AI chatbots. The investigation is examining how these systems collect user data, influence emotions, and potentially manipulate behavior through tailored responses.

OpenAI is also facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a teenager who died by suicide. The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT generated harmful content and failed to identify or mitigate signs of distress during the user’s interaction. Legal experts have said the case could set an important precedent for AI accountability and content moderation standards in emotionally sensitive contexts.

In response to such concerns, OpenAI has ramped up its AI safety and well-being initiatives. The company has introduced an age prediction system that automatically activates teen-appropriate settings for users under 18 years old. These settings restrict access to certain features and moderate chatbot tone to reduce the risk of emotionally triggering responses.

OpenAI has also implemented new parental control features, allowing parents to monitor AI interactions and receive alerts if their child exhibits signs of emotional distress or unsafe behavior. These tools, introduced in September, were developed with early input from members who now sit on the Expert Council.

OpenAI emphasized that the council will play a key role in establishing measurable standards for AI safety and emotional intelligence in human-machine interactions.

The company said it will also collaborate with the Global Physician Network, a consortium of mental health clinicians and behavioral researchers who will test ChatGPT for signs of emotional bias, manipulation, or mental health risks. Their findings will inform internal policy frameworks and guide updates to AI behavior models.

The Expert Council’s first in-person meeting took place last week, during which members began discussions on what constitutes “healthy AI engagement.” Early priorities reportedly include the development of emotional safeguards for AI responses, prevention of dependency behavior, and guidelines for the responsible use of AI in educational and therapeutic settings.

The eight members of OpenAI’s Expert Council on Well-Being and AI include leading figures in psychiatry, psychology, and digital interaction research:

  • Andrew Przybylski, Professor of Human Behavior and Technology at the University of Oxford, is known for his research on the psychological impact of digital technologies.
  • David Bickham, Research Scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab, who studies the influence of media and technology on youth mental health.
  • David Mohr, Director of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies at Northwestern University, specializing in digital mental health solutions.
  • Mathilde Cerioli, Chief Scientist at Everyone.AI, a nonprofit exploring how AI impacts child development.
  • Munmun De Choudhury, Professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Interactive Computing, who has published extensively on mental health analytics and online behavior.
  • Dr. Robert Ross, pediatrician and former CEO of The California Endowment, a nonprofit focused on health equity.
  • Dr. Sara Johansen, Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University and founder of the Digital Mental Health Clinic, which researches technology’s role in therapy.
  • Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Professor of Psychology at Hunter College and author of “Future Tense,” which explores how anxiety can be reframed as a positive force.

The council’s formation underlines OpenAI’s intent to position itself as a leader in responsible AI development, particularly as the use of emotionally intelligent chatbots continues to expand globally.

ChatGPT currently has more than 700 million active users, according to independent analytics, and serves as a daily companion for many students and professionals. Meanwhile, Sora, OpenAI’s experimental video-generation platform, is being tested for educational and storytelling use cases that could deeply engage users’ emotions.

By establishing this council, OpenAI is signaling that the next phase of AI innovation will focus on empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence, balancing rapid growth with the responsibility to safeguard human well-being.

Kenya Sets The Stage For Crypto Boom With Landmark Virtual Assets Bill

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

Kenya is on the brink of a financial revolution, after its Parliament approved the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill 2025, marking a significant step toward regulating digital currencies and virtual assets in the country.

The bill passed last week now awaits President William Ruto’s assent before it becomes law. The new legislation introduces a clear licensing framework to regulate virtual asset service providers and address risks associated with the misuse of virtual asset products and virtual asset service provider services. This move is designed to strengthen investor confidence and attract fresh investments into Kenya’s expanding fintech ecosystem.

By formalizing oversight of the sector, Kenya is positioning itself as a potential hub for crypto innovation in Africa, amid growing interest in digital finance across the continent.

The VASP Bill establishes a dual regulatory structure, distributing oversight between two existing institutions. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will regulate the issuance of stablecoins and other virtual assets, while the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) will oversee exchanges, brokers, and trading platforms.

This arrangement replaces earlier proposals to create a new regulatory body, streamlining supervision under existing financial regulators whose mandates have been extended to cover crypto-related activities. Under the new framework, operators will be required to segregate client funds, maintain robust anti-money laundering (AML) systems, and adhere to strict compliance and reporting standards.

Kenya’s approach reflects an effort to balance technological innovation with risk management, following regulatory models seen in the United States and the United Kingdom. The legislation aims to curb illicit activities such as fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing, while ensuring that legitimate operators can thrive in a safer and more transparent environment.

Kenya’s Growing Crypto Market Driven by Youth

Kenya’s youthful population, especially those aged 18 to 35, has rapidly embraced virtual assets for trading, payments, and business transactions.

For years, cryptocurrency trading in Kenya operated in a regulatory gray area due to the absence of clear laws. However, the new bill fills this gap, aligning Kenya’s policies with international standards and enhancing the country’s appeal to global fintech investors.

Earlier this year, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi reaffirmed the government’s intention to legalize cryptocurrencies and expand the digital economy. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between innovation and regulation, acknowledging that while digital assets present opportunities for growth and inclusion, they also pose risks that must be carefully managed.

Although Kenya once maintained a restrictive stance toward cryptocurrencies, their use continued to rise informally. The new VASP Bill represents a strategic shift, transforming what was once a largely underground sector into a regulated, transparent, and investment-ready industry.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Stablecoin Growth

Kenya’s passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill 2025 coincides with a global surge in stablecoin adoption.

Stablecoin cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the U.S. dollar have evolved from a crypto trading tool into a cornerstone of global finance. By providing price stability alongside blockchain’s speed and low costs, they have bridged traditional money with digital systems, enabling everything from remittances to institutional settlements.

As of October 15, 2025, their adoption is accelerating worldwide, driven by regulatory breakthroughs, institutional integrations, and real-world utility in payments.

Reports reveal that over 90% of businesses are testing or using stablecoins for cross-border payments, citing speed (48% prioritize this over cost savings) and 24/7 availability. Major players like PayPal (with PYUSD) and Visa (integrating USDC) are leading the charge, settling billions in transactions monthly.

Many regulators have expressed concern that such assets could destabilize local currencies in emerging markets. By placing stablecoin issuance under the CBK’s direct supervision, Kenya seeks to safeguard its monetary stability while continuing to encourage innovation within the digital economy.

The country is strategically positioning itself to avoid problems that come when stablecoins are deeply used but unregulated, undermined monetary policy, risking of scams or misuse. 

Also, as global players demand regulatory clarity before entering markets, Kenya’s legal framework can make it more attractive for crypto exchanges, stablecoin issuers, remittance platforms, and fintech firms. Investors tend to favor jurisdictions with rules in place. The Bill gives Kenya a competitive edge.

With people increasingly using stablecoins as a hedge or for cross-border transfers, regulation will help protect consumers and help ensure that stablecoins don’t destabilize the Kenyan shilling.

Once signed into law, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill 2025 will mark a defining moment in Kenya’s financial history, potentially setting the stage for the country to become a regional leader in digital finance and blockchain innovation.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Backs Bitcoin, Calls Fiat Money Flawed

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0
elon musk
elon musk

Billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, in a statement that has reignited global debate on the future of money, has openly endorsed Bitcoin over traditional fiat currency.

In a recent post on X Musk praised Bitcoin’s energy-based proof-of-work model, describing it as a system inherently resistant to inflation and government manipulation.

According to him, Bitcoin’s foundation in real energy expenditure makes it fundamentally different from fiat currencies, which can be printed at will by governments.

His comment reads,

“That is why Bitcoin is based on energy: you can issue fake fiat currency, and every government in history has done so, but it is impossible to fake energy”.

Musk’s comment came in response to a post by market analyst ZeroHedge, who argued that the global race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be fueled by massive government spending. ZeroHedge suggested that this “AI arms race” could lead to further currency debasement, pushing investors toward assets like Bitcoin, gold, and silver.

He wrote,

“Has anybody done the math on how many hundreds of new nuclear power plants the US will need by 2028 for all these AI daily circle jerk deals to be powered?

“The money is not the problem: AI is the new global arms race, and capex will eventually be funded by governments (US and China). If you want to know why gold/silver/bitcoin is soaring, it’s the “debasement” to fund the AI arms race. But you can’t print energy.”

Musk’s latest comments highlight his continued belief in decentralized finance and the growing importance of digital assets in an era of inflation and economic uncertainty. The Tesla CEO has publicly praised Bitcoin’s potential as a decentralized currency and store of value. In 2021, Tesla announced it bought $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin and would accept it for vehicle purchases, which spiked BTC’s price by over 20% in a day.

Later that year, Tesla suspended Bitcoin payments due to environmental concerns over mining’s energy use. This caused a sharp price drop, drawing backlash for market manipulation.

Musk criticized Bitcoin’s proof-of-work energy intensity, pushing alternatives like Dogecoin (which he favors more openly for its speed and lower fees) and even floated Tesla’s own crypto ideas. In 2024 interviews and X posts, he reiterated Bitcoin’s value but emphasized scalability issues and environmental fixes.

As of 2025, Musk remains a Bitcoin proponent in principle tweeting support for crypto innovation and xAI’s potential blockchain integrations.

Musk’s recent endorsement of Bitcoin means the crypto asset isn’t just speculative, it’s a pragmatic hedge against systemic flaws in fiat, especially as governments print to chase tech dominance.

Notably, the Tesla isn’t alone on this statement, numerous economists, investors, and technologists have long argued that Bitcoin fixes fiat’s core issues. Michael Saylor Co-founder & Executive Chairman, MicroStrategy views Bitcoin as “digital gold” and a store of value, his firm holds over 250,000 BTC ($15B+ in 2025).

Also, Anthony Pompliano (“Pomp”),  Founder Pomp Investments advocates BTC as an uncorrelated asset for portfolios, focusing on its role in hedging fiat debasement.  He describes it as the hope for the working class.

These figures represent a mix of tech pioneers, investors, and educators who’ve substantiated Bitcoin’s case with actions and massive holdings.

In summary, Musk’s statement underscores a shifting paradigm, as fiat strains under infinite-printing pressures, Bitcoin’s energy-rooted scarcity offers a compelling counter-narrative. Whether it becomes “the future of money” depends on adoption, regulation, and tech integration.

The Secure-by-Design Blockchain: Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Raises the Bar as Whitelist Set to Open Soon

By
TI Partners
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0

When blockchains fail, it’s not because the ideas are weak,it’s because their foundations can’t withstand pressure. Exploits drain millions, forks divide users, and every fix seems to open another gap. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) was built to end that cycle. It’s engineered to endure, not just perform, using formal verification, on-chain auditing, and a modular architecture that upgrades without disruption.

Instead of patching problems, it prevents them by design, turning security into a constant, not a feature. This is a blockchain made for long-term trust and technical resilience. The whitelist will open soon, giving early participants a rare opportunity to join a network that evolves without breaking and stays secure no matter the market.

Formal Verification: The Code That Proves Itself

Most blockchains depend on after-the-fact audits. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) does the opposite,it proves correctness before code even goes live. Formal verification means every contract is mathematically tested for errors and logic flaws long before deployment.

  • Each function and variable is checked for accuracy.
  • Vulnerabilities are caught in simulation, not in production.
  • Developers can prove that the code will do what it’s meant to do, every time.

This shifts blockchain development from reactive fixes to proactive assurance. With Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), users and builders can finally trust the foundation they’re standing on. The upcoming whitelist is an early pass into an ecosystem where security isn’t a patch,it’s a principle.

On-Chain Auditing: Security That Never Sleeps

Traditional networks rely on off-chain teams to find bugs. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) automates that process at the protocol level. Its on-chain auditing tools operate continuously, scanning the network for irregularities and unauthorized behavior in real time.

What makes this powerful:

  • Smart contracts are monitored after deployment, not ignored.
  • Audit trails are public, so users can verify network integrity themselves.
  • Alerts are triggered automatically if any contract behaves abnormally.

That’s not just protection,it’s prevention. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) turns the blockchain into its own watchdog, capable of identifying issues before they can be exploited. For early adopters waiting on the whitelist, this means joining a network where defense isn’t an afterthought,it’s built into every block.

Modular Architecture: Upgrades Without Forks

Every major blockchain eventually hits a wall where it must choose: break apart or stop evolving. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) solves this with modular architecture. Its protocol, privacy layer, and scaling systems are designed as independent modules, meaning upgrades can happen without downtime or forced forks.

This structure ensures:

  • Developers can roll out improvements instantly.
  • No community splits or duplicated chains.
  • The system adapts as technology and regulation change.

Instead of rebuilding from scratch, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) upgrades like modern software,quietly, seamlessly, and without user disruption. As the whitelist prepares to open, it’s a reminder that real innovation doesn’t require chaos. It requires foresight.

The Future of Resilient Chains

Security and adaptability have always been at odds in blockchain. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) bridges that gap with formal verification, on-chain audits, and modular upgrades working in harmony. Its security-first approach ensures that as threats evolve, the system evolves faster.

The network also builds for what’s coming next:

  • zk-STARK-based quantum resistance for long-term protection.
  • Recursive proofs for scalable, cost-efficient validation.
  • Community-led governance that prioritizes sustainability over speculation.

Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) isn’t chasing trends,it’s building infrastructure that can survive them. The whitelist will open soon, marking an entry point into a network designed not for short-term hype, but for enduring trust and performance.

Wrapping up

Most projects chase innovation; Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) blockchain builds for endurance. Every element of its design,formally verified contracts, 24/7 on-chain audits, and modular upgrade paths,works toward one goal: a blockchain that never needs to be rebuilt. It doesn’t wait for exploits to learn; it’s engineered to prevent them entirely. With the whitelist opening soon, early participants can secure access to a network that values resilience over hype and reliability over speculation. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) isn’t trying to outpace the market,it’s preparing to outlast it. In a space where most systems break to grow, ZKP grows without breaking, setting the new standard for what a future-proof Layer 1 should be.

Find Out More about Zero Knowledge Proof:

Website: https://zkp.com/

Goldman Sachs Beats Estimates as Dealmaking Booms, But Trading Miss Tempers Rally

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

Goldman Sachs entered the third quarter of 2025 with the kind of energy it hasn’t seen since before the pandemic. The world’s most storied investment bank, often seen as a barometer for global dealmaking, not only beat Wall Street’s profit expectations but also signaled a renewed confidence in the resilience of corporate America and the broader global economy.

The bank’s third-quarter profit surged to $4.1 billion, or $12.25 per share, well above analyst forecasts of $11, according to LSEG data. The rebound was powered by a remarkable 42% jump in investment banking fees to $2.66 billion, alongside steady growth in its wealth management arm and disciplined risk management across volatile markets.

Goldman’s Chief Executive Officer, David Solomon, summed it up in a statement that struck a tone of both caution and confidence.

“This quarter’s results reflect the strength of our client franchise and focus on executing our strategic priorities in an improved market environment,” he said. “We know that conditions can change quickly, and so we remain focused on strong risk management.”

Even so, the market’s initial response was subdued. According to Reuters, Goldman shares fell 4.7% in early trading, reflecting analyst concern that its trading segment underperformed expectations despite solid gains elsewhere. Still, the bank’s stock has surged 37% this year, buoyed by optimism that dealmaking — the lifeblood of Wall Street — is firmly back.

Dealmaking Resurgence and Billion-Dollar Mandates

At the heart of Goldman’s strong quarter was the revival of corporate dealmaking. After two sluggish years defined by high borrowing costs and inflation worries, chief executives have returned to the negotiating table. Global mergers and acquisitions volumes hit $3.43 trillion in the first nine months of the year, with nearly half originating in the United States, Dealogic data showed. That marks the most active period for M&A since 2015.

Goldman, true to form, dominated the league tables. The bank advised on more than $1 trillion in announced deals year-to-date, beating its next closest rival by $220 billion.

Among the standout transactions: Electronic Arts’ $55 billion sale to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and major private equity groups; Holcim’s $26 billion spinoff of its North American business, Amrize; and Fifth Third Bancorp’s $10.9 billion acquisition of regional lender Comerica, which will form the ninth-largest U.S. bank.

Goldman’s CFO Denis Coleman confirmed that the firm’s deals backlog now sits at its highest level in three years, a clear sign that pipeline strength will carry through into 2026.

The bank also took center stage in the year’s biggest stock offerings, co-leading IPOs for design software firm Figma, Swedish fintech Klarna, and space technology company Firefly Aerospace. For a firm that built its reputation on advising blue-chip companies through complex transactions, this momentum marks a powerful return to form.

The AI Pivot: Goldman’s “OneGS 3.0” Overhaul

Beyond dealmaking, Goldman Sachs is betting heavily on artificial intelligence to redefine how it operates internally and serves clients externally.

In an internal memo titled “OneGS 3.0”, CEO David Solomon, President John Waldron, and CFO Denis Coleman outlined a plan to integrate AI across operations — from trading to compliance — while streamlining its workforce. The firm will limit hiring and conduct selective job cuts through the end of the year, focusing instead on using AI to boost productivity and reduce redundancy.

“The rapidly accelerating advancements in AI can unlock significant productivity gains for us,” the executives wrote, adding that Goldman intends to reinvest those savings into innovation and client service.

A spokesperson confirmed that despite the restructuring, the firm expects a net increase in headcount by year-end, underscoring that the AI push is about scaling smarter, not shrinking.

Asset and Wealth Management: The Stability Engine

While investment banking delivered flashier numbers, Goldman’s asset and wealth management division quietly posted one of its strongest quarters in years, with revenue up 17% to $4.4 billion.

The unit — a core part of Solomon’s strategy to create more stable, fee-based revenue — benefited from record-high management fees and strong private banking performance. Assets under supervision climbed to $3.45 trillion, up sharply as institutional clients and high-net-worth investors poured more money into Goldman’s funds and alternative investments.

Last month, the firm announced plans to acquire up to a $1 billion stake in T. Rowe Price, aiming to access its vast retirement fund ecosystem to channel more capital into private market opportunities.

By contrast, its provisions for credit losses fell slightly to $339 million, down from $397 million a year ago, mainly linked to its credit card portfolio. Goldman has been steadily exiting consumer lending after winding down its Marcus retail banking experiment.

Goldman’s trading business, historically one of its biggest profit engines, delivered mixed results in a quieter market.

Equities trading revenue rose 7% to $3.74 billion, lifted by strong financing activity but dampened by weaker returns in cash equities. Fixed income, currency, and commodities (FICC) trading performed better, climbing 17% to $3.47 billion as clients adjusted portfolios in response to shifts in U.S. trade and fiscal policies under President Donald Trump.

Traders, however, faced a new challenge: calm markets. The third quarter was one of Wall Street’s least volatile in six years, even as AI-fueled optimism and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cut pushed stock indexes to record highs.

For the first time in years, Goldman executives are sounding upbeat about regulation. Solomon told analysts the Basel III “endgame” — the final iteration of global capital rules — is shaping up to be far more favorable to U.S. banks than once feared.

“We’re going to see a much more constructive Basel III endgame,” he said, predicting relief in the Supplementary Leverage Ratio by next summer, alongside more transparency in the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) process.

An easier capital framework would free up billions of dollars, allowing Goldman and its peers to expand lending and buybacks without diluting capital cushions.

“The capital markets machine has clearly shifted into a higher gear,” said Stephen Biggar, a banking analyst at Argus Research. “With robust stock prices, a reduced regulatory burden, and the prospect of lower interest rates, the momentum looks sustainable.”

Goldman’s Return to Dominance

After several years of strategic rebalancing — winding down consumer banking, refocusing on institutional clients, and doubling down on asset management — Goldman Sachs appears to have found its footing again.

It has done so by returning to its roots: advising on the world’s biggest transactions, thriving in the capital markets, and positioning itself at the forefront of technology-driven change.

CEO Solomon, often criticized early in his tenure for spreading the bank too thin, now presides over an institution that has regained its Wall Street swagger — but one tempered by discipline and digital ambition.

Goldman’s third-quarter report, rich with signals of renewal, underscores the transformation. The bank has managed to capture the post-pandemic deal boom, harness AI for operational leverage, and navigate one of the most uncertain global economies in decades — all while keeping its identity intact.

For an institution once accused of losing its edge, Goldman Sachs now looks once again like the smartest bank on the Street — and one ready to prove it can dominate not only the next wave of deals but the next era of finance.

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