French government

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger action on climate change. One demonstrator summed up the mood, saying she wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had', a reference to recent heatwaves and extreme weather. Organisers and participants are pressing the French government for more ambitious emissions reductions and adaptation measures.

Arthur Mensch, chief executive of French AI start-up Mistral, argues in an interview with Le Monde that artificial intelligence is fundamentally software and can be controlled. His remarks address growing public and regulatory debate over the risks of powerful AI systems, positioning the technology as governable rather than an uncontrollable force. The comments are drawing attention among technologists debating AI safety and regulation.

French lawmakers have adopted a law banning children under 15 from social media, making France one of the first European countries to impose such a restriction. The move is part of growing global concern over the effects of social platforms on young people's mental health and safety, and other governments are watching closely as they consider similar measures.