The Curious AI #22
12 May 2024 -? “movies are going to become video games and video games are going to become something unimaginably better”?
Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI (source)
Welcome to the twenty-second issue of the Curious AI Newsletter, curated by cyber futurist and former Gartner Research Director Oliver Rochford , and synthesized by AI.?
Also check out the Intriguing Quantum Newsletter just started by Daniella Pontes, CISSP , and me.?
Key Themes in this issue:
Keep in mind that Mr. Musk has a profoundly bad record at predicting anything associated with AI
(source)
Most interesting - some brands are banning agencies using AI
In an interesting countertrend to AI-washing, and after backlash from customers, some major brands are actively prohibiting AI-generated content. While I’m sure a few art lovers are working in corporate jobs, I would have thought it would be mainly the customer backlash that’s driving the clampdown, as well as how brands want to be perceived by their buyers. Apparently not so! Some creative agencies working for big brands say they are seeing master service agreements that forbid the use of any kind of AI in the design process, even when working out concepts. That sounds like there are greater considerations, maybe concerns about future legal repercussions concerning copyright infringement or attributing artwork. I am curious how this would impact costs and pricing going forward. Are brands willing to pay for the human touch? Will consumers?
Most intriguing?- Culture and AI ethics
On LinkedIn, Shaun Davies offers some insightful analysis regarding the AI manifesto released by Japan's biggest newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, and telecom giant NTT. Shaun makes some incisive observations regarding the wide range of cultural expectations and viewpoints regarding artificial intelligence. For instance, regulations in Japan place more emphasis on societal effects than on personal needs. Given that ethics, values, and culture influence biases, it also raises the difficult subject of biases in artificial intelligence. How might the localization of AI to perpetuate cultural biases affect a society's capacity for change? Would it “freeze” cultural evolution? AI would then be a tool for conservatism rather than for change.?
if you kill a cockroach you are a hero, if you kill a butterfly, you are evil. morals have aesthetic criteria.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Most grounded - The AI revolution will require an energy revolution
Data keeps accruing on the amount of energy and other resources the AI revolution will require, and it’s becoming more apparent that an entire supply chain needs to be built. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI,? conceded as much in an interview last week, stating that AI needs an energy “breakthrough”. Some people are naturally speaking about fusion, another technology that has been imminent for well over fifty years. As an article in the WSJ discusses, AI will also help us become more energy efficient. But the fundamental problem remains that any solutions based on AI can’t just be novel, they must also be economical.? I do hope we don't need AI to develop fusion, and fusion to develop AI ;)
Book Tip
by Vaclav Smil
Smil explains the difference between invention and innovation and looks not only at inventions that failed to dominate as promised (such as the airship, nuclear fission, and supersonic flight), but also at those that turned disastrous (leaded gasoline, DDT, and chlorofluorocarbons).
AI Warbots
The Russians Sent A Platoon Of Grenade-Hurling Robotic Mini-Tanks Into Battle. The Ukrainians Blew Up The ‘Bots In The Usual Way: With Drones.
The article reports on Russia deploying grenade-hurling robotic mini-tanks in Ukraine, which were subsequently destroyed by Ukrainian drones. Highlighting the ongoing arms race in modern warfare, this incident reflects the increasing use of unmanned and robotic systems in conflict zones. It underscores the evolving nature of military strategies where traditional ground forces are supplemented or replaced by advanced technologies, and the countermeasures employed by opposing forces in response to such innovations.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate
AI and Geopolitics
U.S. Tech Giants Shift AI Manufacturing to Mexico
The Wall Street Journal | https://www.wsj.com/tech/u-s-tech-giants-turn-to-mexico-to-make-ai-gear-spurning-china-8ccd27cb
U.S. technology companies are increasingly moving their AI hardware production from China to Mexico, diversifying their manufacturing base due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. This strategic shift aims to mitigate risks associated with dependency on Chinese production while benefiting from Mexico's proximity, reducing shipping times and costs. This move reflects a significant trend in the global tech industry, adapting to changing political landscapes and seeking more resilient and efficient production solutions.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
International AI
Two Japanese Powerhouses Issue an AI Manifesto: Here’s Why It Matters
Japan's largest newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun, and leading telecom NTT issued an AI manifesto highlighting risks of untrustworthy AI content, advocating for stringent AI regulation. This partnership underscores a collective approach to AI governance contrasting the adversarial nature seen in US companies. The manifesto calls for both stringent regulations and flexible laws to manage AI's societal impacts, emphasizing the need to balance individual and societal needs in the digital age.
Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Mid to Long-term
AI Business
The tech industry can’t agree on what open-source AI means. That’s a problem.
MIT Technology Review | https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/03/25/1090111/tech-industry-open-source-ai-definition-problem/
The tech industry faces a critical challenge in defining "open source" in the realm of AI. With increasing reliance on proprietary datasets and algorithms, the traditional open-source model is under strain. The issue centers around how to balance the open-source ethos with the commercial and ethical complexities of AI development. This struggle highlights the need for clear guidelines and definitions to maintain transparency and collaboration in AI research and development.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI keeps going wrong. What if it can’t be fixed?
Financial Times | https://www.ft.com/content/648228e7-11eb-4e1a-b0d5-e65a638e6135
The article explores the possibility that current AI technologies might not achieve their full potential due to inherent flaws. It discusses instances where AI systems, like ChatGPT, produce errors or "hallucinate" incorrect information. Skeptics argue that current AI, based on large language models, may hit a developmental ceiling, and a new approach might be needed for sustainable progress. This skepticism raises questions about the future trajectory of AI and its practical applications.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Long-term
Inside Big Tech's Race for AI Training Data
Tech giants are aggressively competing to acquire AI training data, essential for developing more advanced AI systems. This pursuit is intensifying as AI's capabilities expand, leading companies to seek diverse and expansive datasets. The quality and variety of this data significantly impact the performance and accuracy of AI models, highlighting its critical role in AI innovation. This trend underscores the escalating importance of data in shaping the future of AI technologies.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
OpenAI's GPT Store and Copyright Complaints
OpenAI's GPT Store is generating controversy due to copyright complaints. Users express concerns about the store's AI-generated content infringing on existing copyrighted works. This development raises critical questions about AI's role in content creation and its compliance with intellectual property laws. The situation underscores the complexities of balancing innovation in AI with respecting copyright, highlighting an emerging area of legal and ethical challenges in the tech industry.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' pullback shows AI has a long way to go
Business Insider | https://www.businessinsider.com/amazons-just-walk-out-pullback-shows-ai-way-to-go
Business Insider reports on Amazon's struggles with its 'Just Walk Out' technology, signaling significant challenges in AI retail applications. The article examines the pullback and reassessment of this AI-powered checkout-free shopping experience, highlighting the complexities and limitations faced in real-world deployments of AI technologies. It underscores the ongoing journey towards fully integrating AI in retail environments, indicating both the potential and the hurdles in automating consumer experiences.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
10 Modern ‘Mechanical Turks’: When Automation Is Just Humans in Disguise
The article discusses the deceptive aspect of some automation technologies that present themselves as fully automated but actually rely on human labor, known as "Mechanical Turks." It uncovers how several companies mask manual human input behind a veneer of AI or automation to enhance their technological image. This practice raises ethical concerns about transparency in tech companies and the hidden human cost of what is often perceived as seamless automation.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate to Short-term
Amazon Virtually Kills Efforts to Develop Alexa Skills, Disappointing Dozens
Ars Technica | https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/amazon-virtually-kills-efforts-to-develop-alexa-skills-disappointing-dozens/
Amazon has sharply curtailed its support for the development of Alexa skills, causing frustration among developers. This decision reflects a strategic shift by Amazon away from third-party skill development, despite the platform previously promoting widespread external innovation. The move has led to significant disappointment within the developer community, impacting those who invested time and resources into creating new functionalities for Alexa.
Sentiment: Negative | Time to Impact: Short-term
Nvidia Sold 900 Tons of H100 GPUs Last Quarter, Says Analyst Firm
NVIDIA reported selling an astonishing 900 tons of H100 GPUs in the last quarter, a testament to the high demand for powerful computing resources in AI and data centers. This volume of sales underscores the growing reliance on advanced GPUs for processing large AI models and complex data tasks. NVIDIA's H100 GPU, specifically designed for AI and high-performance computing, reflects the tech industry's increasing investment in and reliance on specialized hardware to drive AI advancements.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term
Meta Debuts New AI Chip, Aiming to Decrease Reliance on Nvidia
Meta has unveiled a new AI chip designed to reduce its reliance on Nvidia. The new chip aims to boost Meta's AI capabilities, enhancing the performance of its large language models and other AI applications. This move marks a significant shift in Meta's hardware strategy, as it seeks greater independence in its AI operations. The development of its own AI chip could have substantial implications for the tech industry, affecting both hardware production and AI advancement.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI and Advertising
Brands Forbid Advertising Agencies from Using AI
Several brands have begun prohibiting advertising agencies from using AI-generated content in their campaigns. This move reflects growing concerns about the authenticity and originality of AI-created materials. These brands emphasize the value of human creativity and unique perspectives in advertising, underscoring the potential limitations and ethical issues associated with AI-generated content. This trend could significantly impact the advertising industry, shaping the balance between human creativity and AI assistance.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
I can see why brands are banning AI in their advertising
Creative Bloq | https://www.creativebloq.com/news/brands-ban-ai
Several brands are prohibiting AI-generated content to protect originality and intellectual property rights. The move aims to maintain human creativity's uniqueness in various fields, emphasizing the importance of personal touch and authenticity. This development reflects the growing concern over AI's impact on creative industries and the need to preserve human creativity's distinct value. The ban highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short-term
AI Carbon Footprint / Supply Chain
Sam Altman Warns AI Development Needs An Energy 'Breakthrough' As Financial Pundit Says 'AI Data Centers Won't Run On Hopes And Dreams'
Sam Altman of OpenAI raises concerns about the escalating energy requirements for advancing AI technologies. He notes that significant power breakthroughs are needed to sustain AI's growth, as current energy consumption by data centers worldwide is substantial. The discussion extends to investment opportunities in the energy sector, prompted by the increasing demand from AI development. Altman's investment in nuclear fusion and fission startups reflects a pursuit for sustainable energy solutions for AI's future.
Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Mid to Long-term
AI's Exponential Energy Demand: A Threat to Water and Electricity Resources
This report highlights the alarming energy demands of AI, posing a severe threat to water and electricity resources. With AI's computing capacity doubling every two years, energy consumption escalates, risking electricity supply collapse. Droughts like those in the US and Spain exacerbate the situation. Elon Musk warns that by 2025, AI's energy needs could overwhelm global electricity generation, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions amidst increasing technological reliance.
Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
Energy-Guzzling AI Is Also the Future of Energy Savings
The Wall Street Journal | https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/ai-data-centers-energy-savings-d602296e
AI data centers consume vast amounts of energy, potentially using up to 25% of America's power by 2030. However, AI also offers solutions for energy conservation in residential and commercial buildings, which could mitigate the overall energy demand. These findings underscore the dual role of AI in both increasing and potentially decreasing energy usage across different sectors.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
领英推荐
AI and Government
AI Chatbot for Civil Servants Moves a Step Closer
The UK Cabinet Office is enhancing the 'Redbox Copilot' project, a system to aid civil servants by summarizing government documents, modeled on Chat-GPT. Initially used by a select few, the trial is now widening to include more officials, aiming for widespread accessibility. Trade unions advocate for productivity gains to enhance pay and oppose job cuts. The project highlights AI's potential in improving bureaucratic efficiency and decision-making.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short-term
Brazil, Terry Gilliam, 1985
AI and Work
Big Tech usually dismisses fears that AI kills jobs. Now it’s studying them.
Washington Post | https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/04/jobs-ai-replace-study-microsoft-google-cisco/
A study involving tech giants like Microsoft and Google delves into AI's influence on the job market. The report indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics, with AI set to replace numerous jobs, while simultaneously creating new ones. This transition necessitates retraining and education for current employees to adapt to an evolving technological landscape. The findings highlight the transformative power of AI on employment, underscoring the need for proactive strategies in workforce development.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI seen cutting worker numbers, survey by staffing company Adecco shows
A survey by Adecco, a staffing company, suggests AI technology may significantly reduce workforce numbers. The report anticipates that AI advancements will lead to job cuts across various sectors, requiring strategic responses from businesses and workers. The findings emphasize the need for adaptability in the job market and suggest that education and training will be crucial in preparing for a future shaped by AI. This shift underscores the complex impact of AI on employment trends and the economy.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI and Job Replacement
The Register | https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/04/ai_replacement_jobs/
The Register explores the growing concern about AI replacing jobs in various sectors. As AI technologies advance, there's increasing speculation about the impact on employment. The article delves into the potential job losses and shifts in the labor market due to AI, emphasizing the importance of reskilling and adaptability in the workforce. It highlights a need for both policy and individual responses to navigate these changes and mitigate potential negative impacts on employment.
Sentiment: Cautious | Time to Impact: Mid-term
Klarna: 75 Percent of Staff Now Use AI Tools Like ChatGPT as It Looks to Reduce Hiring
Klarna has integrated AI tools such as ChatGPT across its operations, with 75% of its workforce now using these technologies. This shift is part of a strategy to optimize efficiency and reduce the need for new hires. The adoption of AI is streamlining processes and potentially altering future employment dynamics within the company.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short-term
Amazon’s AI Impact on Cybersecurity Jobs
Steve Schmidt, Amazon's Chief Security Officer, challenges the notion that AI will cause cybersecurity job losses. He highlights the significant demand for cybersecurity professionals, surpassing the current supply. The rapid development of AI in cybersecurity is expected to complement human expertise rather than replace it. This perspective suggests a collaborative future between AI and human cybersecurity experts, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing, not eliminating, human roles in cybersecurity.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI in Academia
AI-Generated Lecturers at Hong Kong University
Times Higher Education | https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ai-generated-lecturers-take-turn-hong-kong-university
A Hong Kong university has introduced AI-generated lecturers, marking a significant shift in educational methods. These AI lecturers are designed to deliver interactive and personalized teaching experiences. This approach aims to enhance learning efficiency and accessibility, highlighting the evolving role of AI in education. However, it also raises questions about the future of human educators and the quality of AI-driven academic instruction.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short-term
ChatGPT Looms Over the Peer-Review Crisis
The surge in AI-generated research papers, particularly with tools like ChatGPT, is intensifying the existing peer review crisis in academia. This trend raises concerns about the quality and authenticity of scholarly articles, with an influx of submissions potentially overwhelming the peer review system. It also highlights ethical questions about AI's role in academic research and the need for robust mechanisms to discern AI-generated work. This evolving scenario is testing the limits and adaptability of the traditional peer review process.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
Teachers Turning to AI for Grading Assistance
Educators are increasingly using AI tools to assist in grading student assignments. This shift is driven by the efficiency and objectivity AI can provide, reducing teacher workload and standardizing evaluations. However, this trend raises concerns about the potential loss of personal touch and insight in the grading process. The integration of AI in educational assessment sparks debate about the balance between technological convenience and the human elements essential in education.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
AI and Society
Tackling Loneliness with AI
Financial Times | https://www.ft.com/content/ae99e1d7-d72a-48fc-baca-d68c09ed73d4
Renate Nyborg, ex-Tinder CEO, confronts the challenge of loneliness with her new AI venture, Meeno. Nyborg's experiences at Tinder highlighted the platform's role in exacerbating isolation. Meeno, an AI-powered relationship coach, aims to nurture social skills and combat loneliness by guiding users in their real-world relationships. The article delves into Nyborg's motivations and the potential impact of Meeno, reflecting on technology's role in addressing or perpetuating societal issues like loneliness.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI Trust, Risk and Security Management
Humans Forget. AI Assistants Will Remember Everything. That might be a problem.
Wired examines the stark contrast between human forgetfulness and the vast memory capabilities of AI assistants. These digital helpers can store and recall vast amounts of information, overshadowing human memory limits. This feature of AI assistants plays a significant role in various applications, but also raises privacy concerns. The article delves into the implications of having AI systems that remember everything, pondering the balance between convenience and the potential risks of such extensive data retention.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short-term
OpenAI's Voice Cloning Raises Safety Concerns
Fortune discusses OpenAI's latest technology capable of cloning an individual's voice, raising significant safety and ethical concerns. This advancement, while technologically impressive, poses risks of misuse, such as identity theft and deepfakes, challenging the boundaries of privacy and security. The article underscores the need for stringent ethical considerations and regulatory measures in the rapidly evolving field of AI, particularly regarding technologies that can replicate human attributes with high accuracy.
Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
Open Source Voice Cloning Model: VoiceCraft
The Decoder | https://the-decoder.com/open-source-voice-cloning-model-voice-craft-steamrolls-over-openais-ethical-concerns/
Thanks to Jonathan Care for pointing me to this one
VoiceCraft, an open-source voice cloning model, is making waves in the AI community, disregarding OpenAI's ethical concerns about voice cloning technologies. This development challenges existing norms in AI ethics, particularly in voice synthesis, and raises significant questions about the responsible use of AI in replicating human voices. The increasing accessibility of such technologies underscores the need for a balanced approach to innovation and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Mid-term
AI Tool to Detect Audio Deepfakes by Spanish Media Group
Reuters Institute | https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/news/how-spanish-media-group-created-ai-tool-detect-audio-deepfakes-help-journalists-big-election
A Spanish media group has created an AI tool to detect audio deepfakes, aimed at assisting journalists during major elections. This tool represents a step in combating the spread of misinformation through deepfake technology. It underscores the growing need for advanced tools to ensure the integrity of news in the digital age, particularly during critical events like elections. The development of such AI tools is crucial for media outlets to maintain credibility and trust among their audience.
Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term
AI and Robotics
Mark my words, Apple will get no further with robots than it did with cars
The article discusses skepticism around Apple's venture into robotics, drawing parallels with its previous car project. The writer suggests Apple may face similar challenges in robotics as it did in the automotive sector, questioning the company's ability to make significant headway in this new field. The opinion piece reflects on Apple's track record with ambitious projects outside its core business, raising doubts about its potential success in robotics.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Long-term
Amazon Grows To Over 750,000 Robots As World's Second-Largest Private Employer Replaces Over 100,000 Humans
Amazon now employs 750,000 robots to enhance efficiency and safety in its operations, reducing its human workforce by over 100,000. The robots, including advanced models like Sequoia and Digit, handle repetitive tasks, aiming to complement rather than replace human workers. This shift towards automation reflects broader industry trends towards integrating technology with human labor, creating new job categories while raising concerns about job displacement and economic inequality.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Mid-term
Path to AGI
Elon Musk: AI will be smarter than any human around the end of next year
Ars Technica | https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/04/elon-musk-ai-will-be-smarter-than-any-human-around-the-end-of-next-year/
Elon Musk predicts that AI will surpass human intelligence by the end of next year. He emphasizes the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their potential to exceed human capabilities in problem-solving and decision-making. Musk's forecast adds to the growing discourse on AI's future impact, raising questions about its implications for society and the need for preparedness in managing these advancements.
Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-term
OpenAI and Meta ready new AI models capable of ‘reasoning’
Financial Times | https://www.ft.com/content/78834fd4-c4d1-4bab-bc40-a64ad9d65e0d
OpenAI and Meta are set to release advanced AI models capable of reasoning and planning, aiming for superhuman cognition. These models, including Meta's Llama 3 and OpenAI's anticipated GPT-5, promise to handle complex tasks and demonstrate significant progress in AI's ability to reason. As AI rapidly advances, these developments mark a crucial step toward artificial general intelligence, with the potential to transform tech interactions but also raise concerns about AI's evolving role and implications.
Sentiment: Neutral to Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term
Meta’s AI chief: LLMs will never reach human-level intelligence
Yann LeCun, a leading AI researcher at Meta, asserts that AI still lags significantly behind human intelligence. LeCun emphasizes that current AI systems, including large language models, lack genuine understanding and reasoning capabilities. They operate primarily on pattern recognition and data processing, without true cognitive abilities. This perspective challenges the prevalent notion of rapidly advancing AI capabilities and highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving artificial general intelligence, reminding us of the fundamental differences between AI and human cognition.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Long-term
AI and Personality: Game Theory Reveals Machine Learning Limitations
Neuroscience News | https://neurosciencenews.com/ai-personality-game-theory-25871/
A study using game theory reveals limitations in AI's understanding of human personality and decision-making. The research indicates AI systems struggle to accurately predict human behavior due to the complexities of personality traits. This finding emphasizes the gap between machine learning algorithms and the nuanced nature of human psychology, highlighting the need for more advanced AI models to grasp the intricacies of human behavior.
Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Mid-term
About the Curious AI Newsletter
AI is hype. AI is a utopia. AI is a dystopia.
These are the narratives currently being told about AI. There are mixed signals for each scenario. The truth will lie somewhere in between. This newsletter provides a curated overview of positive and negative data points to support decision-makers in forecasts and horizon scanning. The selection of news items is intended to provide a cross-section of articles from across the spectrum of AI optimists, AI realists, and AI pessimists and showcase the impact of AI across different domains and fields.
The news is curated by Oliver Rochford, Technologist, and former Gartner Research Director. AI (ChatGPT) is used in analysis and for summaries.
Want to summarize your news articles using ChatGPT? Here's the latest iteration of the prompt. The Curious AI Newsletter is brought to you by the Cyber Futurists.
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11 个月Big week of news! Do you think Meta is looking longer-term beyond internal-only use for their accelerator investments?