Curious AI Newsletter #15

21 February? 2024 - Robots will be better than us - all of us...

Welcome to the fifteenth issue of the Curious AI Newsletter, curated by cyber futurist and former Gartner Research Director Oliver Rochford , and synthesized by AI.?

Key Themes in this issue:

There certainly will be job disruption. Because what's going to happen is robots will be able to do everything better than us. ... I mean all of us.

Elon Musk, CEO, X, Tesla (source )

• Tech firms and dogfooding: We have another report of tech companies ‘dogfooding’ their AI tools. I feel this can be a good thing and a really smart way to get a lot of user feedback quickly. But there’s also the risk that early successes by power users and FAANG will skew perceptions of how mature, widely applicable, and effective some of these solutions are. Mature organizations and power users have been early beneficiaries of AI.
• Fighting misinformation and fraud: It’s interesting to note that some of the earliest uses of adversarial AI appear to be integrated into legitimate tools to try and make their output seem more human . How such capabilities will be regulated and kept out of the hands of the wrong people will be interesting to follow.? Regulators seem to see the challenge early, with the FTC wanting to make solution providers liable if their tools are used to impersonate someone else.?
• No real AI differentiation: NfX, a VC firm, reiterates the by now obvious point that there is little to no differentiation between most folk’s generative AI implementations , providing the analogy of bottled water. I do hope their analogy is wrong. As the article points out, most bottled water is sold in places with perfectly good water available from any tap. It is an example of charging a premium for something based purely on perception and marketing. A more fitting analogy would simply be the humble microprocessor, so ubiquitous we forget they are everywhere in modern life. Integrated into anything from toys, cars, coffee machines, and toothbrushes to laptops, satellites, mobile phones, and medical devices, microprocessors have proliferated in a huge variety of types and sizes. The success can be explained by this wide variety of diverse application areas and specializations. We will see something similar with AI. It’s also worth noting though that most industries that benefitted from microprocessors existed before them.?
• AI Poverty: AI poverty describes the inequality in accessing resources such as hardware like GPUs required to develop and run AI models. Despite a growing GPU-as-a-service market , the limited availability and rising costs for access to these resources are creating bottlenecks in AI innovation, with many smaller startups unable to compete . Of course, one group’s deficit is another group’s advantage, and some VC firms are actively wooing startups with the promise of access to compute resources .?

Term of the Week

Neo-luddite

AI Business

Silicon Valley's Largest 'Dogfooding' Experiment Begins with AI

Business Insider | https://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-biggest-dogfooding-experiment-has-begun-ai-google-microsoft-2024-2

Silicon Valley is launching its biggest "dogfooding" experiment, focusing on AI integration within companies like Google and Microsoft. This experiment involves internal use of their own AI products to refine and enhance them based on real-world application feedback. The initiative underscores the tech industry's commitment to evolving AI technology, aiming to boost innovation, efficiency, and product development through practical, in-house usage and testing.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate

Your Chatbot Concierge Will Expect a Tip

The Wall Street Journal | https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/your-chatbot-concierge-will-expect-a-tip-59c7ce2d

The evolution of AI in customer service is leading to the concept of tipping chatbot concierges. These AI systems, designed to enhance user experience in various services, are becoming so advanced and personable that the idea of tipping them, akin to human service providers, is being considered. This shift reflects the increasing humanization of AI interfaces and raises questions about the changing dynamics of customer interaction in the tech-driven service industry.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

Microsoft to Invest €32 Billion in Germany for AI Expansion

Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-invest-32-bln-eur-germany-ai-push-2024-02-15/

Microsoft is set to invest €32 billion in Germany to expand its AI capabilities. This significant investment underscores Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI technology and highlights Germany's growing importance in the global tech landscape. The investment will likely bolster AI research and development, creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Microsoft's move reflects the increasing strategic value of AI in the technology sector.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate to Short-term

Can OpenAI Create Superintelligence Before Running Out of Cash?

Financial Times | https://www.ft.com/content/6314d78d-81f3-43f5-9daf-b10f3ff9e24f

OpenAI, rapidly growing in revenue, faces crucial questions about its long-term business viability. Despite being one of the fastest-growing tech companies, concerns linger regarding its ability to sustain growth against high operational costs. OpenAI's aim for "artificial general intelligence" adds to its ambitious yet costly goals. Investors and analysts are keenly watching its progress and financial strategies, balancing short-term gains with long-term visions of transformative AI impacts.

Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Mid-term

AI as Ubiquitous as Water

NFX | https://www.nfx.com/post/ai-like-water

The article presents the concept of AI becoming as ubiquitous as water in society. It explores the notion that AI's integration into daily life and various sectors will be so seamless and extensive that it will be as common and essential as water. This analogy emphasizes AI's potential to be a fundamental resource, influencing a wide range of applications and industries. The discussion highlights the transformative impact AI could have on everyday life and business operations.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Long-term

Reddit's Content Licensing Deal with AI Company

Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/technology/reddit-signs-content-licensing-deal-with-ai-company-ahead-ipo-bloomberg-reports-2024-02-16/

Ahead of its IPO, Reddit has signed a content licensing agreement with an AI company. This deal highlights the platform's strategy to leverage AI for enhancing user engagement and content curation. The move is significant as it reflects Reddit's efforts to innovate and diversify its offerings, potentially increasing its appeal to investors. The partnership with an AI firm underscores the growing importance of AI in content management and user experience optimization in social media platforms.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term

AI Supply Chain (and AI Poverty)

AI Investors are wooing startups with massive computing clusters

Forbes | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrickcai/2024/02/14/ai-investors-are-wooing-startups-with-massive-computing-clusters

AI investors are increasingly attracting startups by offering access to large-scale computing resources. This trend reflects the growing importance of computational power in AI development. Such resources enable startups to enhance their AI models and accelerate innovation, making them more competitive. The strategy signals a shift in the AI investment landscape, where the provision of high-powered computing capabilities is a key differentiator among investors.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Short-term

AI Industry Dynamics and Cost Implications - Start-up firms in artificial intelligence can’t afford to keep the lights on.

Bloomberg Opinion | https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-02-19/artificial-intelligence-microsoft-google-nvidia-win-as-computing-costs-surge

The AI industry is witnessing a significant increase in infrastructure costs, impacting start-ups and favoring large tech companies. While generative AI has created new opportunities, the high costs of cloud computing and AI chip usage are posing challenges for smaller players. Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Nvidia benefit as they provide essential AI and cloud infrastructure. The dynamic is leading to a consolidation where smaller AI firms struggle to compete, potentially reducing competition and increasing the dominance of big tech firms.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

Feeding the Hunger for Nvidia GPU Access is Big Business

VentureBeat | https://venturebeat.com/ai/feeding-the-hunger-for-nvidia-gpu-access-is-big-business/

The demand for Nvidia GPUs, critical for AI and machine learning applications, has spawned a lucrative business for companies providing access to these resources. This trend is driven by the growing needs of AI developers and researchers who require powerful computing capabilities. Companies are tapping into this demand by offering cloud-based services and infrastructure that facilitate access to Nvidia's GPUs, underscoring the vital role of these processors in the expanding AI market.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate

No, Sam Altman Isn't Raising Trillions of Dollars for Chips

The Information | https://www.theinformation.com/articles/no-sam-altman-isnt-raising-trillions-of-dollars-for-chips

Contrary to widespread speculation, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is not raising trillions of dollars for chip manufacturing. This clarification addresses the overestimation of Altman's fundraising goals, bringing a more realistic perspective to his ambitions in the AI and chip manufacturing sectors. The report underscores the importance of accurate information in understanding the scale and scope of technological advancements and investments in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI Carbon Footprint

AI's Electricity Consumption Raises Concerns

The Verge | https://www.theverge.com/24066646/ai-electricity-energy-watts-generative-consumption

The growing energy consumption of AI technologies, especially in generative models, is raising concerns. These AI systems, used in various applications, require significant electrical power, impacting energy resources and contributing to environmental concerns. The article highlights the need for more sustainable and energy-efficient approaches in AI development and usage. It underscores the importance of balancing AI's benefits with its environmental footprint, calling for innovations in green computing and energy management.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Work

AI hiring tools may be filtering out the best job applicants

BBC Worklife | https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240214-ai-recruiting-hiring-software-bias-discrimination

AI in recruiting is under scrutiny for potential bias and discrimination. Studies indicate that AI hiring software might inadvertently reinforce existing prejudices, impacting fairness in employment. This concern arises from AI systems potentially learning from biased historical data, leading to unequal treatment of candidates based on gender, race, or other factors. The issue calls for more transparent and regulated AI use in recruitment to ensure ethical and unbiased hiring practices.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI is starting to threaten white-collar jobs: Few industries are immune

The Wall Street Journal | https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-is-starting-to-threaten-white-collar-jobs-few-industries-are-immune-9cdbcb90

The rise of AI is increasingly affecting white-collar jobs across various industries. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it's not just routine tasks that are being automated, but also complex, analytical roles traditionally considered safe from automation. This shift is causing concern among professionals in fields like law, finance, and healthcare. The article emphasizes that few industries are immune to the transformative impact of AI, underscoring the need for workers to adapt to an evolving job landscape.

Sentiment: Neutral to Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate to Mid-term

AI is leading to job losses, but not in the way people feared

Fortune | https://fortune.com/2024/02/13/ai-is-leading-to-job-losses-but-not-in-the-way-people-feared/

The impact of AI on employment is more nuanced than previously feared. Instead of widespread job displacement, AI is leading to a transformation in the job market. Certain roles are becoming obsolete due to automation, while new opportunities emerge, especially in sectors managing and implementing AI. This evolution in the workforce highlights a shift towards tech-centric roles and the dynamic nature of employment in the AI era.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI Regulation

FTC Seeks Penalties for AI-Driven Impersonation

Bloomberg | https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-15/ftc-wants-to-penalize-companies-for-use-of-ai-in-impersonation

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing to penalize companies that use AI for impersonation purposes. This move aims to combat the increasing instances of AI being employed to mimic individuals, potentially leading to deceptive practices and privacy violations. The FTC's initiative underscores the growing concern over the ethical use of AI and the need for regulatory measures to protect individuals from potential misuse of technology.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management

OpenAI's Video Tool Sora: Mystery Before Elections

Bloomberg Opinion | https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-02-16/openai-s-video-tool-sora-is-shrouded-in-too-much-mystery-before-elections

OpenAI's new video tool, Sora, raises concerns due to its mysterious nature, especially ahead of elections. Sora's capabilities in video generation and analysis, while potentially groundbreaking, also pose risks of misinformation and misuse. The lack of transparency about Sora's functions and safeguards has led to apprehension about its impact on public discourse and the integrity of upcoming elections. This scenario underscores the need for clarity and ethical guidelines in AI technology deployment, particularly in sensitive political contexts.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI Text Detection Tools Easily Fooled

MIT Technology Review | https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/07/07/1075982/ai-text-detection-tools-are-really-easy-to-fool/

AI text detection tools, designed to identify AI-generated content, are proving to be easily deceived. Recent studies reveal these tools struggle to differentiate between human and AI-written texts reliably. This challenge is exacerbated by evolving AI capabilities that can mimic human writing styles more accurately. The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of current AI detection methods, highlighting the need for more sophisticated and robust tools to ensure the integrity of digital content.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

Israeli Deepfake Detection Startup Raises First $16 Million in Seed Funding

Times of Israel | https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-deepfake-detection-startup-raises-first-16-million-in-seed-funding/

An Israeli startup specializing in deepfake detection technology has successfully raised $16 million in seed funding. This investment underscores the growing concern over deepfake technology and the urgent need for effective detection tools. The startup's focus on combating the misuse of deepfakes in various domains, including cybersecurity and digital media, reflects the increasing importance of safeguarding digital authenticity in an era of advanced AI-generated content.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Relationships (and privacy)

Your AI Girlfriend is a Data Harvesting Horror Show

Gizmodo | https://gizmodo.com/your-ai-girlfriend-is-a-data-harvesting-horror-show-1851253284

AI-based virtual girlfriend apps are raising serious data privacy concerns. These apps, designed to simulate romantic or friendly companionship, collect vast amounts of sensitive user data. Investigations reveal that the data gathered includes personal conversations, emotional states, and private information. This poses significant risks regarding data misuse and privacy violations. The situation highlights the darker side of AI interaction platforms, where the boundaries of personal data harvesting become blurred.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI in Academia

AI in Academia: The Historians' Perspective

The Verge | https://www.theverge.com/24068716/ai-historians-academia-llm-chatgpt

Historians and academics are increasingly debating the impact of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in their field. While some see potential in AI for research and teaching, others raise concerns about accuracy and the potential to perpetuate biases in historical interpretation. The technology's limitations in understanding context and nuance in historical texts are key issues. This article explores how AI is reshaping academia, particularly in the study of history, and the challenges it poses to traditional methods of research and scholarship.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

Scientific Journal Publishes AI-Generated Rat with Gigantic Penis In Worrying Incident

Vice | https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy3jbz/scientific-journal-frontiers-publishes-ai-generated-rat-with-gigantic-penis-in-worrying-incident

A scientific journal, Frontiers, inadvertently published an AI-generated image containing inappropriate content. The incident raises concerns about the reliability and oversight of AI-generated content in academic publications. It highlights the challenges in ensuring appropriate and accurate content in AI-generated images, underscoring the need for rigorous review processes in scientific research and publishing. The incident has sparked debate over the ethical implications and potential risks associated with the increasing use of AI in academia.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Healthcare

A chatbot helped more people access mental health services

MIT Technology Review | https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/02/05/1087690/a-chatbot-helped-more-people-access-mental-health-services/

[ORIGINAL PAPER] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02766-x

A chatbot significantly increased access to mental health services, according to a study. Designed to assist in mental health care, the chatbot facilitated easier and more immediate support for individuals seeking help. This innovation highlights the potential of AI in enhancing mental health care accessibility, offering a timely and efficient alternative to traditional methods. The use of chatbots in mental health services reflects a growing trend of integrating technology to address critical healthcare needs.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Society

The way AI will be sold to a skeptical public is becoming clear

CNBC | https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/13/the-way-ai-will-be-sold-to-a-skeptical-public-is-becoming-clear.html

The strategy for introducing AI to a cautious public involves emphasizing practical, user-friendly applications. Companies are focusing on integrating AI into everyday tools and services, making it more accessible and less intimidating. This approach aims to demonstrate AI's benefits in enhancing efficiency and solving real-world problems, thereby increasing acceptance and trust among consumers. The gradual and practical introduction of AI highlights a shift towards making it a relatable and indispensable part of daily life.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Cybersecurity

Generative AI financial scammers are getting very good at duping work email

CNBC | https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/14/gen-ai-financial-scams-are-getting-very-good-at-duping-work-email.html

Generative AI (GenAI) is being increasingly used in sophisticated financial scams, targeting work emails with high efficiency. These scams are characterized by their ability to mimic legitimate communication styles, making them more convincing and harder to detect. This development raises significant concerns about cybersecurity in the workplace, as traditional defenses may struggle to identify these AI-generated fraudulent attempts. The trend underscores the urgent need for advanced security measures to counteract these evolving AI-enabled threats.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

Microsoft Detects Hackers from China, Russia, and Iran using its AI tools

Reuters | https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/microsoft-says-it-caught-hackers-china-russia-iran-using-its-ai-tools-2024-02-14/

Microsoft has identified hackers from China, Russia, and Iran exploiting its AI tools for cyberattacks. These actors use AI to enhance phishing campaigns, creating more convincing fake emails and messages. This development underscores the growing trend of sophisticated cyber threats leveraging AI technologies. Microsoft's revelation highlights the dual-use nature of AI tools in cybersecurity, where they can both protect and be used as a weapon in digital conflicts.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI's Role in Cybersecurity

Financial Times | https://www.ft.com/content/7000ac39-cc0e-467e-96f6-6617f91dc948

Google CEO Sundar Pichai discusses AI's potential to improve cybersecurity. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between private and public sectors to maximize AI's capabilities while addressing risks. Pichai highlights AI's ability to counterbalance the defender's dilemma in cybersecurity and mentions Google's efforts in integrating AI into their security teams. The article underscores the importance of responsible AI development and its potential benefits in addressing global cybersecurity challenges.

Sentiment: Positive | Time to Impact: Immediate

AI and Robotics

Scientists Are Putting ChatGPT Brains Inside Robot Bodies: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Scientific American | https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-are-putting-chatgpt-brains-inside-robot-bodies-what-could-possibly-go-wrong/

Integrating advanced AI language models like ChatGPT into robotics raises both possibilities and concerns. This synergy aims to create more interactive and capable robots, enhancing their functionalities. However, it also brings forth ethical considerations and potential risks. The article emphasizes the importance of careful regulation and consideration in this evolving AI-robotics field.

Sentiment: Neutral | Time to Impact: Short to Mid-term

AI and AGI

Humanity's Remaining Timeline: Neo-Luddites Warning of an AI Apocalypse

The Guardian | https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/17/humanitys-remaining-timeline-it-looks-more-like-five-years-than-50-meet-the-neo-luddites-warning-of-an-ai-apocalypse

A group of "Neo-Luddites" warns against the potential risks of uncontrolled AI development, suggesting humanity's survival may be at stake within five years. These activists advocate for immediate measures to regulate AI, citing concerns about its unpredictability and the potential for catastrophic outcomes. Their stance highlights a growing debate on the ethical and existential implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Sentiment: Concerned | Time to Impact: Short-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 planners and 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 .