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Florida International University researchers reveal how altered images can bypass AI safeguards

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MIAMI, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — It may look like a picture of a panda bear to you, but to your business’s AI agent, it can act like a skeleton key, bypassing safety safeguards and potentially causing the model to generate harmful, misleading or policy-violating outputs.

That risk is the focus of new research from Hadi Amini, associate professor at Florida International University’s Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences. Together with graduate assistant Md Jueal Mia, he is studying how manipulated images can “jailbreak” certain AI systems, pushing them beyond their built-in safeguards.  

“AI models don’t see images the same way humans do,” Amini said. “They see patterns of numbers and pixels. By carefully manipulating those pixels, we can influence how the AI interprets the image and responds.” 

The team’s research demonstrated how small-language AI models – the kind frequently employed by small businesses to execute routine tasks like accounting or customer service – have become particularly susceptible to image-based hacks. As shown in research presented at the 2025 International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (ICMLA), the team found that by introducing microscopic pixel-level changes called “perturbations” into an image, they could trick these AI systems into generating responses that they would normally block.  

“The manipulated image is like the face of a stranger,” Amini said. “The AI has to learn when a request should be treated with caution before it answers. In order to protect AI systems from attacks, we try to break them ourselves, identify potential vulnerabilities and design defense mechanisms.” 

The researchers then set out to probe the system’s defenses. The more successfully they penetrated the models’ guardrails, the more the systems could be trained to resist future threats. To do this, Amini and his team developed a method called JaiLIP (Jailbreaking with Loss-guided Image Perturbation), which uses an algorithm to determine the optimal degree of pixel-level manipulation.

In tests using BLIP-2, a multimodal AI model used by researchers and developers, Amini and his team found that images modified with JaiLIP significantly increased the likelihood that the system would generate harmful or unsafe responses. In one example, a JaiLIP-altered version of a stoplight tricked the AI model into divulging detailed instructions on how to run the light while avoiding a traffic ticket. Overall, the use of JaiLIP images nearly doubled the number of harmful responses generated by AI models. 

The risk extends beyond users simply prompting AI systems for instructions on illegal activity. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered customer service agents, chatbots and automated workflows, vulnerabilities in open-source or lightly protected systems could negatively impact users’ trust or create new avenues for cyberattacks.

“Small businesses and companies can benefit from AI to enhance their efficiency, but they have to be aware of the potential vulnerabilities,” Amini said. “They must make sure they’re deploying sufficient guardrails to maintain the safety and integrity of their AI tools.” 

Amini said there are some basic precautions that everyone should use before integrating AI into their business or workplace, including limiting the sensitive information they provide to AI systems (especially images), restricting who can access those systems and carefully evaluating the security measures built into AI tools before deployment.  

Because safety is paramount, Amini and his team are working to stay one step ahead of potential bad actors in the AI sphere. The more vulnerabilities he and his team can find, the quicker the AI will learn to repair them. The challenge, he said, is ensuring that AI can recognize threats hidden in plain sight — even when humans cannot. 

Photos and videos of Amini’s AI research, including interviews and b-roll, are available for media use via Dropbox

Media Contact:
Brian Zimmerman
305-348-8448
bzimmerm@fiu.edu 
news.fiu.edu
@FIU

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SOURCE Florida International University

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B&R Technology Merger Corp. Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Warrants, Commencing September 10, 2026

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NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&R Technology Merger Corp. (Nasdaq: BRTMU) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing September 10, 2026, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants included in the units. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. The Class A ordinary shares and warrants that are separated will trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbols “BRTM” and “BRTMW,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BRTMU.”

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About B&R Technology Merger Corp.

B&R Technology Merger Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company’s strategy allows for an initial business combination in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution, its primary focus is on technology growth businesses that has artificial intelligence (“AI”) tailwinds.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Company Contact
David York
Clark Callander
Steve Fletcher
B&R Technology Merger Corp.
info@bandrtechnology.com

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SOURCE B&R Technology Merger Corp.

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Georgia Power encourages customers to take action during National Preparedness Month

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Company highlights important safety information and resources to help customers prepare for emergencies 

ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the peak of hurricane season approaches, Georgia Power is reminding its 2.8 million customers to be prepared for emergencies. In support of National Preparedness Month, the company is once again partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency throughout September.

While the state has not yet experienced a major hurricane or tropical storm this season, National Preparedness Month encourages advance preparation for all types of potential emergencies in homes, businesses and communities. 

Georgia Power continues to invest in a stronger, more resilient electric grid that improves reliability for customers on both blue-sky days and during severe weather. Through Smart Grid technology, automation and self-healing capabilities, the company can identify outages faster, reroute power remotely and restore service more efficiently. In 2025 alone, Grid Investment Program projects improved reliability for more than 535,000 customers and, together with self-healing technology, prevented 108 million customer outage minutes while playing a critical role during hurricane season.

Georgia Power encourages all customers to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and families before disasters strike, including:

Build an emergency kit – Gather enough supplies to sustain everyone in your household for several days, including food, water, medications, and other essentials. Be sure to consider the unique needs of each family member and pet, especially if an evacuation becomes necessary. It’s also a good idea to prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit with essential items so you can evacuate quickly if needed. Have an emergency plan – Develop an emergency plan and discuss it with your family and close friends before an emergency. Establish how you will communicate, where you will meet and what steps you will take if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Planning ahead can help reduce stress, save valuable time and minimize costs during an emergency. Understand your risks – Understand your risks by learning about the hazards and emergencies most likely to affect your area. Knowing what could happen where you live, work and travel can help you make informed decisions and take the right steps to protect yourself, your family and your property. Visit the company’s Storm Center page for more information on preparing your home, building an emergency kit, and knowing your risks. 

Staying informed during emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is critical, and Georgia Power offers the following resources to help customers stay connected and informed: 

Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to the free Georgia Power Outage Alerts service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information. Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to ensure their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. The map is updated regularly from teams in the field. Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. Social Media – Follow Georgia Power on FacebookInstagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more. 

Safety Tips for Customers and Crews 

Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If you must be on the roads, please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road; it’s Georgia law. Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. If going out, watch for and avoid down wires. They can be deadly. Never pull tree limbs off power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees, as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line. Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Visit our website for more generator safety tips

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). 

 www.georgiapower.com

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SOURCE Georgia Power

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Nelnet Accessibility Services Now on Civic Marketplace

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State and local agencies can now access Nelnet’s accessibility assessment, remediation, and compliance services through a cooperative contract that requires no new request for proposal (RFP) ahead of approaching Department of Justice (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II compliance deadlines.

LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nelnet Government Services today announced that its cooperative purchasing contract, awarded through the Alliance for Innovation (AFI), is now accessible through Civic Marketplace. By listing on Civic Marketplace, Nelnet gives local governments, public schools, and other public agencies nationwide a streamlined way to discover and procure its ADA Web Accessibility Consulting and ADA Web Accessibility Consulting and Design services.

As an awarded supplier through the AFI cooperative program, Nelnet’s services have already been competitively solicited and awarded in accordance with public procurement requirements. Through Civic Marketplace, eligible public agencies can access Nelnet’s services and pre-negotiated cooperative pricing without conducting a separate RFP, providing a faster path from accessibility need to implementation.

What Agencies Can Access

Accessibility Assessments: Expert-led audits of websites, applications, and documents that surface Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 barriers and produce a clear compliance roadmap.Remediation Services: Hands-on repair of websites, mobile apps, documents, and video so digital content works for people using assistive technology.Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Reporting, Training & Ongoing Support: Standards-based compliance documentation, staff training, and Accessibility Team as a Service (ATaaS) for continuous governance as content changes.

“Every resident deserves digital services that work for them, and every agency deserves a partner who can help them get there without adding a lengthy procurement process,” said Marc Thorson, Lead Accessibility Architect at Nelnet. “Making our accessibility team available through Civic Marketplace means agencies can start real compliance work now, well ahead of the deadlines bearing down on them.”

Why This Matters

Under the Department of Justice’s ADA Title II rule, state and local government websites, apps, and digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. The DOJ recently extended the compliance deadlines, giving larger public entities until April 26, 2027, and smaller public entities and special districts until April 26, 2028. But auditing, remediating, and retraining staff across years of legacy content takes longer than many agencies expect, and the deadline marks when compliance is required, not when the work should start.

Most agencies don’t need a seven-figure platform overhaul to get there. Many compliance gaps close for a fraction of that cost through focused assessment and remediation work, without the year a standalone RFP process usually consumes.

“Digital accessibility is a growing operational priority for local governments, and many agencies need specialized expertise to address it effectively,” said Michael Wilkes, President and CEO of the Alliance for Innovation. “Bringing Nelnet into our cooperative portfolio gives public agencies access to proven capabilities in an area that is becoming increasingly important to how governments operate and serve their communities.”

Nelnet has already put that model to work in state and local government: its accessibility team embedded with Colorado’s Office of Information Technology to bring the myColorado app, used by more than 1 million residents for driver’s licenses, DMV services, and benefit application, into WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

Access This Contract Now on Civic Marketplace

Nelnet’s digital accessibility services are available now through Civic Marketplace. To explore the contract and begin procurement, view the Nelnet contract listing on Civic Marketplace, or contact Nelnet at AccessibilityWorkRequest@nelnet.net.

About Nelnet Government Services

Nelnet Government Services (NYSE: NNI) helps public sector organizations achieve and maintain digital accessibility compliance while creating more inclusive experiences for the people they serve. Our U.S.-based accessibility team partners with agencies to assess, remediate, monitor, and govern digital content, websites, applications, and documents. Through accessibility assessments, remediation services, training, reporting, and ongoing compliance support, we help agencies build sustainable accessibility programs that reduce risk, increase access, and improve service delivery. See Nelnet’s digital accessibility services at Nelnet.com.

About Alliance for Innovation

AFI is a nonprofit association of governments dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in local government. AFI assists local governments in implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The organization emphasizes strategic thinking, emerging technologies, and best practices to equip public agencies with the knowledge and support to address evolving challenges.

AFI offers various programs, including innovation academies, workshops, and a comprehensive knowledge network that allows local governments to share success stories and lessons learned. It hosts annual conferences and webinars that unite municipal leaders, industry experts, and academic researchers to explore trends in governance, sustainability, civic engagement, and operational improvements. By promoting a culture of innovation, AFI empowers local governments to be more adaptive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for citizens nationwide.

About Civic Marketplace

Civic Marketplace is the AI procurement platform built for local governments and free for every SLED entity to use. By removing cost as a barrier, we make it easier for cities, counties, and school districts to modernize how they buy goods and services without adding strain to already tight budgets.

Our platform connects government buyers to a network of pre-approved suppliers, ensuring every contract meets compliance and quality standards from the start. We’re especially committed to expanding access for historically underutilized businesses, helping local governments support regional suppliers and strengthen the communities they serve.

Procurement doesn’t have to be slow, complicated, or expensive. Civic Marketplace is backed by venture investment and built to prove it. Learn more at civicmarketplace.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nelnet-accessibility-services-now-on-civic-marketplace-302872789.html

SOURCE Nelnet Government Services

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