Meta's AI chief Yann LeCun has criticized Elon Musk's plan to replace researchers with engineers at his AI startup xAI, stating that this change could kill innovation by blurring the distinct roles of research and engineering.
China's top artificial intelligence summit featured an entire floor dedicated to robots, with onlookers marveling at their capabilities, including playing drums and serving popcorn, as well as participating in a boxing ring. Catherine Thorbecke reports that this was a crowd-pleaser at the event, which showcased what was once considered science fiction just a few years ago.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication expressed concerns over the Ministry of IT's collaboration with Jazz and NUST University on Pakistan's first indigenous Large Language Model (LLM), citing a lack of transparency in the selection process. Chairperson Senator Palwasha Khan called for greater inclusivity and competitive bidding, while members questioned why other capable institutions were not invited to participate. The committee also discussed the "Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024," which aims to create an ethical framework for AI use and innovation, and emphasized the need for regulating AI technologies in light of rapid global developments.
Stephen, a vocal advocate for AI's purpose and ethics, recently participated in an art installation called Vocalize at Hay Festival, where an AI-powered version of his voice confronted the future of AI, identity, and truth. Visitors were given a voiceover training session led by the AI, but things took an unexpected turn. This event came two years after Stephen discovered that an AI recording of his voice had been created without his knowledge. He previously expressed shock upon learning that his recordings of Harry Potter audiobooks had been used to recreate his voice with AI in 2023.
Universities Leverage AI Tools for Personalized Learning
8.1.25
Universities face challenges in embedding AI literacy into their curriculum due to staff burnout and funding cuts. To address this, AI-powered personalized learning tools can enhance course content with dynamic elements like gamification and real-time feedback. Microcredentials for workplace-ready AI skills offer a flexible solution, allowing students to build focused skills without overhauling legacy degree structures. Embedding critical thinking around AI into short courses will help students develop confidence and fluency in the tools. However, universities must prioritize training educators to use AI-powered tools with confidence and preserve academic standards by safeguarding trust through transparency, data privacy, and responsible use.
US Prioritizes Innovation Over AI Regulation Risks
8.1.25
The US-China tech rivalry is centered around artificial intelligence, with the US prioritizing innovation over regulation to mitigate national security, human rights, and safety risks. This approach may lead to consequences for the US and globally, potentially straining international cooperation on AI governance with Europe, which has emphasized regulation.
Vast Data has hired Amy Shapero as its first CFO, a move potentially signaling preparations for an IPO. The company's storage architecture combines flash storage devices with off-the-shelf hardware and specialized software, aiming to reduce the cost of building large AI models. Vast Data's technology is considered more mature than that of rival companies Weka and DDN, which are also pursuing similar efforts in the field of AI storage.
Velvet Sundown's AI-Generated Music Sparks Authenticity Debate
8.1.25
The emergence of Velvet Sundown, a rock group that utilizes AI-generated music, lyrics, and album art, has sparked controversy over the authenticity of its creative process. Critics argue that the band's reliance on technology raises questions about transparency with their audience, who may be misled into believing that human artists are behind the music. This debate is particularly relevant in the context of the music industry, where the line between human creativity and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred.
Venezuela's Maduro Regime Bypasses Censorship with AI Anchors
8.1.25
AI-generated anchors have been used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime to bypass censorship. In response, journalists launched Operación Retuit (Operation ReTweet), a series of social media-style videos featuring AI anchors "Bestie" and "Buddy", sharing factual evidence on the country's political situation.