July 12, 2023

July 11, 2023

July 13, 2023

  • Hollywood

    Actors’ strike looms as union looks for protections against AI

    CBS News, 07/12/23. If the actors’ union and major studios and streaming services cannot come to an agreement by midnight, there may be a strike. The union is seeking protection from the use of artificial intelligence to create characters using actors’ voices or appearances. The writers’ guild is already on strike, and an actors’ strike would halt most remaining productions. Some studio executives believe prolonging negotiations is necessary, even if it leads to union members losing their homes. The last actors’ strike occurred in 1980. READ THE ARTICLE

  • Discord

    Discord bans teen dating servers and the sharing of AI-generated CSAM

    Engadget, 07/12/23. Discord has updated its child and teen safety policy in response to reports of predators using the platform to create and share child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and groom young teens. The platform now explicitly prohibits AI-generated photorealistic CSAM and any other content that sexualizes children. It has also banned teen dating servers and vowed to take action against users engaging in such behavior. Discord has launched a Family Center tool that allows parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform while respecting their autonomy. These measures aim to protect underage users and ensure a safer online environment. READ THE ARTICLE

  • Economy

    How AI’s astonishing productivity gains could help curb inflation

    CNN, 07/12/23. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, including the recruitment process. An airline in the Middle East recently used AI to sift through 16,000 applications for cabin crew roles, significantly saving time and effort compared to manual sorting. AI-powered chatbots were used to email forms to the most promising applicants, resulting in fewer than 500 candidates, or 3% of the original pool, being interviewed. This demonstrates AI’s capability to enhance productivity and efficiency in tasks that would have traditionally taken much longer to complete. Additionally, AI is expected to have a significant impact on productivity growth in various industries, offering the potential to address the ongoing slowdown in many economies and bring cost savings to businesses. READ THE ARTICLE

  • Evolution

    Making algorithm used in AI more human-like

    The Harvard Gazette, 07/12/23. The human brain’s ability to navigate complex circumstances, such as driving through busy traffic, is increasingly being understood through the concept of causal models. These models allow the brain to simulate different outcomes and make predictions about the consequences of various actions. Researchers have developed a system called Reinforcement Learning (RL) that formalizes this cognitive process and have even used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare their algorithmic theories with real-world brain activity. The hope is that by understanding how the brain makes decisions, advancements can be made in artificial intelligence. READ THE ARTICLE

  • Healthcare, Models

    Google creates AI with same level of accuracy and bias as doctors

    Sky News, 07/12/23. According to a new study, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to support doctors in making quicker and more informed decisions. However, when asked to answer medical questions, AI often produces misinformation and incorporates biases that could exacerbate health disparities. To address this issue, researchers at Google developed a specialized model focused on medicine, which showed improved accuracy and bias levels similar to those of doctors. The study highlights the need for further development before AI can be effectively used in the field of medicine. It also emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as an assistant rather than a final decision-maker, especially in critical fields like medicine. READ THE ARTICLE