🗞️ AI News Recap

Hey TEDchats Fam!

Happy Monday! Have you ever tried joining a conversation about the latest tech trends, only to feel like you missed the launch of a rocket ship and are still catching up on rocket science? Don't worry; you're not alone. Today, we're strapping in for a joyride through the AI cosmos. So, buckle up and let's explore the past week together – no rocket science degree required!

🐇 QUICK BITES — THE PAST WEEK

Rite Aid’s AI Facial Recognition Scandal

Rite Aid, an American drugstore chain, is facing a five-year ban on using facial recognition technology for surveillance as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over charges of inadequate procedures and harm to consumers. In a federal court complaint, the FTC details Rite Aid's use of AI-based facial recognition technology from 2012 to 2020 in hundreds of retail locations in the U.S. Rite Aid employees took various actions against individuals triggered by alleged matches, such as increased surveillance, store bans, public accusations of criminal activity, detainment, searches, and police involvement. However, several of these actions were based on false positives, where the technology incorrectly identified individuals (read more).

Court Rules: AI Cannot Be Inventors or Creators

In 2018, Dr. Stephen Thaler wanted his AI system, DABUS, to be recognized as the official inventor of a novel beverage container and a search-and-rescue flame device, filing corresponding patent applications. The U.K. Intellectual Property Office rejected Thaler's applications in 2019, asserting that inventors must be human or a company. Despite appeals in the U.K. and U.S., the courts maintained this stance. Recently, the U.K. Supreme Court, led by Judge David Kitchin, affirmed that, under current law, machines cannot be deemed creators (see Judgment video, Dec 20, 2023).

Get Ready for High Quality AI Music from Simple Text Prompts!

Experience the cutting-edge collaboration between Microsoft Copilot and Suno, enabling users to generate complete AI-driven songs through simple text prompts. Users can type “Create a rap song about AI”, and Suno will create a song complete with lyrics, instrumentals, and a rap voice (see more). Unlike some AI music tools, Suno allows prompts like "in the style of [music artist]," and subscribers to its paid service can own the generated artwork, prompting discussions on artistic originality and intellectual property rights. Suno aims to restrict specific prompts or misuse, asserting that users cannot upload copyrighted lyrics for generating covers (read more).

AI Requires a Lot of Energy, and Arkon Energy Has Plans to Supply It

Arkon Energy, a data center infrastructure company powered by local and renewable electricity sources, has successfully closed a $110 million private funding round to expand operations in the U.S. In a TechCrunch interview, CEO Josh Payne highlighted the appeal of the U.S. market, citing strong domestic demand and abundant underutilized power assets. The funding, with a focus on acquiring an additional 200-megawatt capacity, aims to increase Arkon's total megawatts by 130% by mid-2024, targeting new data centers in Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas. According to Payne, these sites may attract both bitcoin miners and AI/machine learning clients with very high power computing demands (read more).

How Can Online Abuse Be Prevented?

Intrinsic, co-founded by former Apple engineers Karine Mellata and Michael Lin, is developing an AI-based platform for content moderation. Designed to assist trust and safety teams in social media and e-commerce, the platform aims to automate the detection and management of “online abuse problems that hurt people, such as misinformation, hate speech, or scams”. Currently hiring, Intrinsic's approach focuses on adaptability to the constantly evolving patterns of online threats, offering a customizable solution for content moderation, particularly for content generated by AI (read more).

Germany’s Stance on Google’s AI Integration in Its Automotive Industry

In June 2023, Germany's competition authority, Bundeskartellamt, raised objections to Google's practices in a preliminary legal assessment of Google Automotive Services. This included the bundling of Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, which "could reduce competitors' opportunities to sell competing services”. Google has now proposed several remedies, including unbundling tools and eliminating revenue-sharing provisions. However, the Bundeskartellamt will only decide on the acceptability of Google's proposals after market tests (read more).

Stability AI Introduces Paid Membership

Stability AI, known to produce “AI by the people for the people”, now offers a subscription service with multiple tiers for commercial use of its AI models. This new structure includes a free tier for personal use and research, a $20 monthly subscription for small-scale creators and startups, and an enterprise plan. The company's move aims to standardize commercial rights usage while supporting ongoing AI research and development (read more).

NVIDIA Will Disclose New AI Innovations at CES 2024

NVIDIA plans to unveil its latest AI innovations at the CES 2024 trade show. Scheduled for Monday, January 8, at 8 a.m. PT, the company’s special address will be streamed live, highlighting NVIDIA's advancements in generative AI and other technologies. Key focuses include retail technologies, workplace robotics, gaming, and smart cars, with partnerships from major industry players across these sectors. The event promises insights into NVIDIA's growing influence in the AI and tech space (read more).

A Prominent Chinese AI Startup is Coming to the U.S.

Founded in 2018 and advised by renowned mathematician Weinan E, Chinese startup DP Technology is making strides “by fusing artificial intelligence with physics-based modeling and simulation”. Their focus is on enhancing scientific computing for diverse applications such as pharmaceutical research and semiconductor development. With an estimated $140 million in funding, DP is now gearing up to expand its innovative AI applications to the U.S. by opening an office and establishing distribution centers (read more).

ImpriMed Shifts from Treating Cancer in Pets to Humans

ImpriMed, known for its AI-powered cancer treatment technologies in dogs and cats, is expanding its scope to human oncology. The company's approach, which involves using live-cell technologies and AI algorithms developed for veterinary use, is now being adapted for human blood cancers. With a recent Series A funding of $23 million and an expected collaboration with SK Telecom, ImpriMed aims to commercialize its AI models for human cancer treatment within the next two years. This strategic shift highlights the potential of veterinary AI technologies in improving human healthcare outcomes (read more).

OpenAI Introduces Another Super Team — The Preparedness Team

In an additional step towards ensuring the safety of AI technologies, OpenAI has formed a new "Preparedness team”. Under the leadership of MIT AI professor Aleksander Madry, this team is dedicated to identifying and mitigating “catastrophic risks” associated with AI, including the possibility of its misuse in creating chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons (read more). The team's role is to continuously monitor and test OpenAI's technologies, providing a critical bridge between the Safety Systems team, which addresses immediate AI issues like racial biases, and the Superalignment team, which focuses on long-term risks of AI surpassing human intelligence (read more).

Only One Week Left to Enter OpenAI’s Preparedness Challenge!

OpenAI’s Preparedness Challenge will extend until December 31, 2023, with a focus on preventing “catastrophic misuse”. The top 10 submissions will receive $25,000 in API credits, and outstanding ideas will be published. Moreover, OpenAI is seeking promising candidates through this challenge to join their Preparedness Team! (read more)

🧰 AI TOOLBOX — RECAP 

👋 UNTIL NEXT TIME

Just like missing a rocket launch doesn't mean missing the entire space exploration, each AI recap brings us closer to the forefront of innovation. As we soar into the future, what lies ahead? Savor the excitement, ponder the possibilities, and get ready for another rocket-fueled dive into the world of AI.