Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief
12 February 2026
UK AI — A daily summary of AI news most relevant to the UK.
In brief — A security researcher has identified 287 Chrome extensions that leak browsing history data to multiple recipients, affecting an estimated 37 million users.
Why it matters
- The extensions compromise user privacy by sharing sensitive browsing data.
- With 37 million installations, the scale of the issue is significant.
- This incident highlights the need for better security audits of browser extensions.
Explainer
Sources: go.theregister.com go.theregister.com go.theregister.com go.theregister.com
In brief — In Nigeria, many individuals are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support due to the lack of access to qualified therapists, prompting discussions about the need for regulation.
Why it matters
- The reliance on AI for mental health care highlights significant gaps in access to traditional therapy.
- There are growing concerns about the ethical implications and privacy risks associated with using AI in sensitive areas like mental health.
- The situation reflects broader trends in technology where AI is increasingly filling roles traditionally held by professionals.
Explainer
Sources: theguardian.com gov.uk technologyreview.com theguardian.com
In brief — Anthropic has pledged to cover any electricity cost increases for consumers due to its data centers' energy demands.
Why it matters
- This commitment aims to mitigate the financial impact of AI infrastructure on local communities.
- Anthropic's move reflects growing concerns about the energy consumption of AI technologies.
- The company has previously announced plans for significant data center expansions, raising questions about sustainability.
Explainer
Sources: arxiv.org go.theregister.com theverge.com engadget.com
In brief — The UK government has launched a Front Door pilot to help businesses in defence technologies and robotics address regulatory barriers.
Why it matters
- The initiative aims to streamline regulatory processes for innovative sectors.
- It could enhance the UK's competitive edge in defence and robotics.
- Addressing regulatory challenges may foster more rapid technological advancements.
Explainer
Sources: gov.uk ukri.org gov.uk ukri.org
In brief — Cisco has raised hardware prices to offset rising memory costs, while xAI experiences co-founder departures following its merger with SpaceX.
Why it matters
- Cisco's price increase may reflect broader trends in hardware costs impacting AI adoption.
- The xAI-SpaceX merger, valued at $1.25 trillion, highlights significant shifts in the AI landscape.
- OpenAI's disbanding of its mission alignment team raises questions about its focus on safe AI development.
Explainer
Sources: go.theregister.com theverge.com techcrunch.com engadget.com
In brief — Uber Eats has introduced a new AI-powered Cart Assistant feature to streamline grocery shopping within its app.
Why it matters
- The Cart Assistant aims to enhance user convenience by automatically filling grocery baskets based on shopping lists.
- This feature reflects the growing integration of AI in everyday tasks, potentially increasing productivity for users.
- As more companies adopt AI tools, it highlights a shift in how technology is utilized in consumer services.
Explainer
Sources: engadget.com fastcompany.com theverge.com engadget.com
In brief — No widely documented technology milestones occurred on this date.
Why it matters
- The historical record of technology is vast and complex, with many significant events occurring throughout the year.
- This absence of notable events on February 12 highlights the importance of exploring other dates for technological advancements.
- Continued research into technology history can uncover lesser-known but impactful developments.
Explainer
Sources: