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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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China Southern Power Grid: Powering Asia-Pacific Prosperity Through Energy Cooperation

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11 minutes ago

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September 7, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The following is a news report from Xinhuanet:

The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 5 under the theme “Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action.” Qian Chaoyang, Chairman and Party Secretary of China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG), attended the forum and delivered remarks.

The Asia-Pacific region is a major engine of global economic growth, and clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient energy is essential to keeping that engine running smoothly. The region accounts for a significant share of global energy consumption. Its countries vary widely in their energy resources but have strong potential to complement one another, creating substantial opportunities for greater regional energy connectivity. CSG has consistently supported efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and has worked to become an important force in advancing energy connectivity across the region.

CSG highlighted progress in six areas across the Greater Bay Area: power supply, grid reliability, clean-energy integration, transmission technology, artificial intelligence and regional cooperation. Total electricity consumption across the Greater Bay Area exceeded 700 TWh, ranking ahead of the world’s other major bay areas; a stronger power grid, with average annual outage time per customer of less than 30 minutes and power supply reliability maintained at a world-class level; cleaner power, with approximately 180 billion kWh of clean electricity transmitted to the Greater Bay Area annually through the West-to-East Electricity Transmission project, installed renewable energy capacity exceeding 93 GW, and clean energy accounting for more than half of total installed capacity; more active innovation, with world-leading expertise in areas including complex large-scale power grid operations and flexible ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission; a smarter power system, with CSG’s proprietary power-sector foundation model, “Big Watt • Yudian,” receiving the top award at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference; and more open collaboration, with CSG launching and regularly convening the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Power Enterprise Summit and establishing the Greater Bay Area Power Development Cooperation Organization to advance open, mutually beneficial regional power cooperation.   

CSG is also contributing to the development of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future by sharing its experience in building, operating and governing the “electricity-powered Greater Bay Area,” as well as its experience in regional cooperation. The company has built 17 high-voltage power transmission links with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar and is exploring the development of a regional electricity market in the Lancang-Mekong region. More than 84 TWh of electricity has already been exchanged across national borders, with clean energy accounting for more than 90% of the total.

Pluz Energía Perú, operated by CSG, ranks first in its local market for power supply reliability, while power outages in three demonstration zones established in partnership with Laos have declined by 70%. CSG has also hosted the Global South Power Partnership Development Forum and signed more than 50 partnership agreements. The company has trained nearly 2,000 energy professionals from partner countries and implemented a number of small-scale, high-impact community projects, including the Vinh Tan Light initiative in Vietnam and the Dok Champa project in Laos.

Looking ahead, CSG said it plans to work with regional partners to capitalize on complementary energy resources and expand cross-border energy cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

The forum brought together more than 400 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, as well as United Nations agencies and international organizations.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/china-southern-power-grid-powering-asia-pacific-prosperity-through-energy-cooperation-302871476.html

SOURCE Xinhuanet

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Frost & Sullivan Appoints Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions

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11 minutes ago

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September 7, 2026

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Janardhanan to lead the strategic direction, commercial growth and global expansion of Frost & Sullivan’s analytics, subscription and Growth Generator platforms

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 7, 2026 /CNW/ — Frost & Sullivan, the global analytics and growth advisory firm, today announced the appointment of Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of its Subscriptions business. In this role, Janardhanan assumes P&L leadership of the company’s global subscription portfolio, encompassing its analytics business, its subscriptions platform, and its Growth Generator data platform.

The appointment reflects Frost & Sullivan’s continued investment in its recurring-revenue subscription offerings, which provide clients worldwide with continuous access to intelligence, growth opportunity analytics, and decision-support tools. Janardhanan will be responsible for driving the strategic direction, commercial performance, and global expansion of these platforms.

“I am honored to take on the leadership of Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business at such a pivotal moment,” said Janesh Janardhanan, Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions, Frost & Sullivan. “Our analytics, data, and Growth Generator platforms sit at the heart of how clients identify and act on their next opportunities for growth. My focus will be on deepening the value we deliver, scaling our platforms globally, and ensuring our subscribers stay ahead of the transformations reshaping their industries.”

Janardhanan brings extensive experience in commercial leadership, analytics, and growth strategy to the role. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School (GMP) and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore.

Under his leadership, Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business will continue to expand its coverage, enrich its content and data assets, and strengthen the technology platforms that power insight and growth for organizations across the globe.

About Frost & Sullivan

For more than six decades, Frost & Sullivan has helped clients accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides corporate leadership teams and their growth strategy partners with continuous research, insight, and analytics that drive transformational growth strategies. For more information, visit www.frost.com.

Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Media Contact:

Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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Sony Electronics and Hello Kitty Team Up for Limited-Edition Headphone Collection

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September 7, 2026

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Sony Store-exclusive bundles pair select Sony headphones with custom Hello Kitty accessories featuring thoughtful, character-inspired design details

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty, one of Sanrio’s most beloved and recognizable characters. Available only through the Sony Store, the collection pairs select Sony headphones with exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration merchandise, bringing together Sony’s premium audio experience and Hello Kitty’s iconic charm. Pre-orders begin later this holiday season1.

The limited-edition collaboration is available with the following Sony headphones:

WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH730N Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH530 Wireless Headphones

Available with select pink/sand pink and black colorways of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 headphones, each collaboration bundle includes a Sony Store exclusive Hello Kitty carrying case and tote bag2. Designed to hold headphones and added space for everyday essentials, the carrying case blends Hello Kitty’s signature charm with Sony’s premium, minimalist design aesthetic. Thoughtful details throughout the collaboration celebrate Hello Kitty’s world and her connection to music, entertainment, and everyday creativity, while each headphone model is paired with its own uniquely designed tote bag for everyday use.

Bringing together Sony’s audio expertise and Hello Kitty’s timeless appeal, the limited-edition collection celebrates self-expression, entertainment, and personal style. The exclusive accessories allow fans to enjoy Hello Kitty’s iconic world not only while listening to music, but also as part of their everyday routine at home and on the go.

To receive updates on this collaboration bundle, please visit https://cloud.email.sel.sony.com/HelloKittyxSony 

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution, and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

About Sanrio

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty, who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Badtz-maru and Keroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services, and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings, and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup that is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.

1 The collaboration will be available in limited quantities in select countries and regions. Available headphone models will vary by market and may include the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N and WH-CH530
2 Availability of collaboration bundles and headphone models varies by country/region.

 

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SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.

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