US lawmakers warn AI chatbots pose new risks to children

IANS | January 20, 2026 9:13 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) US lawmakers and child development experts have warned that artificial intelligence chatbots pose new and potentially more dangerous risks to children than social media, urging Congress to move quickly to impose safeguards as the technology spreads.

US bill targets citizenship revocation

IANS | January 20, 2026 9:03 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) A US senator has introduced a bill that would make it easier for the administration to revoke the citizenship of naturalised Americans who commit serious crimes, large-scale fraud, or have links to terrorist organisations.

Catholic Bishops question moral foundations of US foreign policy

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:58 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) Three top Catholic leaders in the United States issued a rare joint statement sharply questioning the moral foundations of current US foreign policy, invoking guidance from Pope Leo XIV and warning that a growing reliance on force risks plunging the world into deeper conflict.

US lawmakers warn tech firms designing apps to addict children

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:50 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) US lawmakers and child development experts have accused major technology companies of deliberately designing social media platforms to keep children hooked, telling a Senate panel that addictive algorithms — not parental failure — are driving a worsening youth mental health crisis.

Indian-origin businesses clash as US debates stone slab lawsuits

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:44 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) A sharp debate over worker safety, corporate liability and the future of the US stone slab industry unfolded in Congress last week, drawing in Indian-origin entrepreneurs and raising issues that resonate with Indian businesses and workers operating across global supply chains.

Trump's Science adviser warns China closing AI gap, urges Congress to act

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:39 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has warned that China is rapidly narrowing America’s lead in artificial intelligence, urging Congress to move swiftly on legislation, funding and infrastructure to preserve US dominance in a technology increasingly seen as central to economic power and national security.

Smartphones are fueling youth mental health crisis: US lawmakers

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:29 AM

Washington, Jan 20 (IANS) Widespread smartphone and social media use among children is driving a sharp rise in depression, anxiety and suicide, top American lawmakers and experts have said calling it a public health crisis that demands urgent government action.