News/Europe
UK ramps up prosecutions for AI-generated child abuse imagery
AI-generated child exploitation material: A disturbing trend emerges: The United Kingdom is witnessing an increase in prosecutions related to artificial intelligence-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), signaling a worrying evolution in the landscape of digital exploitation. A recent case in the UK involved the use of AI to create a 3D model incorporating a real child's face, moving beyond typical "deepfake" image manipulation techniques. This case represents a growing pattern of AI-assisted CSAM creation, which is also being observed in the United States. Law enforcement agencies are grappling with these technologically advanced forms of child exploitation, presenting new challenges in...
read Oct 28, 2024US may pressure EU to tighten China export controls, ASML warns
US-China tech tensions intensify: The CEO of Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML anticipates increased US pressure on the EU to further restrict technology exports to China, highlighting escalating geopolitical tensions in the global AI race. ASML CEO Cristophe Fouquet expressed his expectation of continued US pressure on allies for more restrictions during the Bloomberg Tech Summit. The company, a leading producer of lithography machines crucial for advanced chip manufacturing, has already faced export restrictions to China at Washington's insistence. The Netherlands banned ASML from selling its most advanced machines to China last year, with the US subsequently extending the ban...
read Oct 23, 2024Denmark unveils AI supercomputer to tackle societal challenges
Denmark's AI leap: A sovereign supercomputer for scientific breakthroughs: Denmark has unveiled Gefion, its largest AI supercomputer, aimed at tackling global challenges and fostering innovation across various scientific domains. The supercomputer, named after a Danish mythological goddess, is an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD powered by 1,528 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs and connected via NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking. Gefion was inaugurated by King Frederik X of Denmark, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, and Danish Center for AI Innovation (DCAI) CEO Nadia Carlsten in Copenhagen. The project is a collaboration between NVIDIA and DCAI, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Export...
read Oct 23, 2024AI regulation risks EU market competitiveness, Macron warns
AI regulation at a crossroads: French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on AI regulation highlights a critical juncture in the global AI landscape, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between innovation and regulation. Macron warns that Europe risks being "out of the market" in 2-3 years if it continues its current regulatory agenda while underinvesting in AI development. The statement underscores the tension between fostering AI innovation and upholding societal values, a challenge faced by policymakers worldwide. Key regulatory considerations: Effective AI regulation requires a nuanced approach that addresses transparency, feasibility, and targeted use-cases without stifling innovation. Transparency and control...
read Oct 14, 2024Britain woos global investors at summit without Elon Musk
UK Labour Government's Investment Push: The newly elected Labour Party government in Britain has announced a substantial £63 billion ($82 billion) investment package aimed at boosting various sectors of the UK economy, including artificial intelligence, life sciences, infrastructure, and technology. Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed approximately 300 executives at a business summit, emphasizing Britain's renewed stability as an investment destination following years of political turbulence under the Conservative government. Starmer pledged to implement a "hard-headed" industrial strategy and stimulate economic growth by reducing unnecessary regulations. Key Investment Deals: DP World announced a £1 billion expansion of the London Gateway container...
read Oct 14, 2024XPeng unveils AI-powered EV in Paris, announces European pricing
XPeng unveils AI-driven P7+ EV in Paris: Chinese automaker XPeng Motors showcased its new P7+ electric vehicle at the Paris Motor Show, emphasizing its AI capabilities and commitment to the European market. Key features of the XPeng P7+: The P7+ is billed as the "world's first AI car," featuring an AI-centric design that builds upon XPeng's flagship P7 sedan The vehicle utilizes a pure vision camera system called "AI Hawkeye Visual Solution," eschewing LiDAR technology in favor of a camera-based approach similar to Tesla's XPeng claims the new system delivers ADAS performance comparable to previous LiDAR-based systems while being more...
read Oct 14, 2024AI brings extinct dodo to life for Cambridge museum visitors
Innovative museum experience: The University of Cambridge's Museum of Zoology is launching a groundbreaking initiative that allows visitors to engage in two-way conversations with animal specimens using generative artificial intelligence. The month-long experiment, starting Tuesday, features 13 carefully selected specimens, including extinct species like the dodo and living animals such as the blue fin whale. Visitors can initiate conversations by scanning QR codes near the exhibits, enabling interactions with the specimens through their smartphones. The AI-powered system can communicate in over 20 languages, making the experience accessible to a diverse range of museum-goers. Engagement and education goals: The primary objective...
read Oct 11, 2024AI-generated art takes center stage at Frieze London
AI and Technology Redefine Art at Frieze London: The 2024 Frieze London art fair showcases groundbreaking digital artworks that blend artificial intelligence, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. Immersive video art explores climate change: John Akomfrah's "Becoming Wind" (2023) offers a thought-provoking experience at the LG OLED Lounge. The five-channel video piece, displayed on OLED screens with surround sound, meditates on themes of the Garden of Eden, human loss, and climate change effects. The 30-minute sequence combines monochromatic and full-color clips of diverse landscapes and urban scenes, interwoven with evolving text statements. The installation provides...
read Oct 9, 2024London aims to become global digital art hub
Digital art's growing prominence in London: The city's diverse art ecosystem is positioning itself as a global hub for digital art, catalyzed by recent technological advancements and increased public interest. Frieze London art fair and Tate Modern's "Electric Dreams" exhibition are showcasing a range of digital artworks, from immersive environments to AI-generated pieces, highlighting the medium's evolution and current relevance. The Victoria and Albert Museum's first Digital Art Season and the upcoming SXSW London in 2025 further underscore the city's commitment to embracing and promoting digital art forms. Historical context and academic foundations: London's journey as a digital art center...
read Oct 3, 2024AI-powered cameras now monitor drivers in the UK
New AI camera monitors driving offenses in Plymouth: The city has deployed an advanced camera system on Tavistock Road in Derriford to detect traffic violations using artificial intelligence technology. The AI-powered camera captures images of passing vehicles to identify two specific offenses: drivers using mobile phones and passengers not wearing seatbelts. Plymouth City Council emphasizes that while AI detects potential violations, all images are subsequently reviewed by a human operator for verification. Depending on the offense, drivers may receive either a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution. Law enforcement perspective: Adrian Leisk, head of road safety for Devon...
read Oct 1, 2024EU taps AI experts to create compliance framework for AI policy
EU takes decisive step in AI regulation: The European Commission has appointed a group of AI specialists to outline compliance guidelines for businesses in anticipation of upcoming AI regulations, marking a significant move in the global governance of artificial intelligence. Key players and structure: The European Commission has assembled a diverse group of AI experts to develop a comprehensive framework for AI governance and regulation. The group includes prominent figures in the field of AI, such as Yoshua Bengio, Nitarshan Rajkumar, and Marietje Schaake, bringing together a wealth of expertise and perspectives. Four specialized working groups have been established, each...
read Sep 30, 2024AI detective investigates real crimes in groundbreaking police test
AI-powered detective system tested by UK police: The Avon and Somerset Police Department in the United Kingdom is experimenting with an AI-powered system called Soze, designed to assist in solving cold cases by rapidly analyzing vast amounts of evidence. Developed in Australia, Soze can process emails, social media accounts, videos, financial statements, and other documents related to criminal investigations. The system reportedly analyzed evidence from 27 complex cases in approximately 30 hours, a task that would have taken human detectives an estimated 81 years to complete. This significant time-saving potential has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies facing personnel...
read Sep 29, 2024Ukraine is using AI-powered avatars to help citizens access social services
AI-powered avatars revolutionize Ukrainian social services: The Ukrainian government has turned to AI-generated avatars to disseminate crucial information about social services amid the ongoing war with Russia, addressing the need for efficient and cost-effective communication. The digital transformation initiative: Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy has launched an online platform to provide citizens with access to various social services, including pension programs, unemployment benefits, and healthcare assistance. The platform aims to reach citizens in temporarily occupied territories who may not have physical access to local social protection offices. AI-generated videos featuring realistic avatars explain how to use the new platform, create...
read Sep 27, 2024100+ companies have pledged compliance with the EU AI Act
Major tech players commit to EU AI regulations ahead of schedule: Over 100 companies, including industry giants like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Samsung, have pledged early compliance with the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, signaling a proactive approach to AI governance. The AI Act officially became law on August 1st, 2023, marking a significant milestone in regulating artificial intelligence technologies within the European Union. While some provisions of the Act, particularly those concerning "high risk" AI systems, are not set to be enforced until August 2027, many companies are voluntarily accelerating their compliance efforts. Notable signatories to the early compliance...
read Sep 26, 2024Apple snubs EU AI agreement backed by tech giants
Apple's AI stance in the EU: Apple has declined to join a new artificial intelligence pact in the European Union, setting itself apart from major tech competitors and potentially impacting its AI offerings in the region. The voluntary AI pact, aimed at accelerating measures to control artificial intelligence, has been signed by 115 companies, including tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Apple, along with Meta, is one of the notable holdouts, raising questions about the company's AI strategy and its relationship with EU regulators. This decision comes amid Apple's ongoing disputes with EU governing authorities over various issues, including...
read Sep 25, 2024HP Finds Malware Attack Likely Built With Generative AI
AI-assisted malware attack targets French users: HP's Wolf Security researchers have uncovered a malicious email campaign likely developed with the help of generative AI, raising concerns about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. In June, HP's anti-phishing system, Sure Click, flagged an unusual email attachment targeting French language users. The attachment contained an HTML file that, when accessed with the correct password, revealed a ZIP archive containing AsyncRAT malware. AsyncRAT is an open-source remote access tool that can be misused to control victims' computers remotely. Unusual code characteristics raise suspicions: The malicious code found in the email attachment exhibited atypical...
read Sep 19, 2024UK to Roll Out New AI Cameras To Cut Traffic Deaths
New AI cameras to combat road fatalities: Avon and Somerset Police are introducing artificial intelligence cameras on the A361 near Frome, Somerset, in response to a surge in serious crashes and fatalities. Nine people have died on this stretch of road in less than two years, prompting urgent action from local authorities and law enforcement. The AI cameras can detect various traffic violations, including texting while driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt. This marks the first time such advanced technology will be deployed in Somerset to address road safety concerns. The human toll of road accidents: The impact of...
read Sep 19, 2024Adult Industry Professionals are Demanding a Say in AI Rules
Adult industry professionals seek voice in AI regulation: A coalition of sex industry professionals and advocates has issued an open letter to EU regulators, asserting that their perspectives are being overlooked in crucial discussions on AI regulation. The group, known as Open Mind AI, includes a diverse range of stakeholders such as sex workers, erotic filmmakers, sex tech enterprises, and sex educators. They are urging the European Commission to include their voices in future negotiations that will shape AI regulations, emphasizing the importance of their unique insights. Notable participants in this initiative include Erika Lust's company and the European Sex...
read Sep 19, 2024AI’s Limited Impact on 2024 European Elections Surprises Experts
AI's limited impact on European elections: Recent research suggests that AI-generated falsehoods and deepfakes had minimal effect on election results in the UK, France, and the European Parliament in 2024. Sam Stockwell, a researcher at the Alan Turing Institute, conducted a study focusing on three elections over a four-month period from May to August 2024. The study identified only 16 cases of AI-enabled falsehoods or deepfakes that went viral during the UK general election and 11 cases in the EU and French elections combined. None of these cases appeared to definitively sway the election results. Reasons for AI's ineffectiveness: The...
read Sep 15, 2024EU Watchdog Probes Google’s AI Data Use for GDPR Compliance
EU privacy watchdog investigates Google's AI data practices: The European Union's data protection authority has launched an inquiry into Google's use of personal data for training its artificial intelligence model, PaLM 2. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which enforces the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is spearheading the investigation. The inquiry focuses on whether Google has breached GDPR obligations in processing personal data of EU and European Economic Area citizens. This investigation is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on Big Tech companies' AI development practices. Key concerns and regulatory requirements: The investigation centers on Google's compliance...
read Sep 13, 2024What To Know About The EU AI Act
EU Artificial Intelligence Act sets new standards for AI regulation: The European Union has introduced a comprehensive legislation aimed at ensuring safe, trustworthy, and human-centric use of AI technologies across various sectors. The EU AI Act has a broad extraterritorial reach, applying to entities operating in or supplying AI systems to the EU, regardless of their headquarters location. Different obligations are established for various actors in the AI value chain, including GPAI model providers, deployers, manufacturers, and importers. The legislation adopts a risk-based approach, with higher-risk use cases subject to more stringent requirements and enforcement. Compliance and penalties: The Act...
read Sep 12, 2024EU Watchdog Probes Google’s AI Model for Privacy Risks
EU privacy watchdog scrutinizes Google's AI model: The European Union's data protection authorities have launched an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2), raising concerns about its compliance with the bloc's stringent data privacy regulations. The Irish Data Protection Commission, acting as Google's lead regulator in the EU due to the company's European headquarters being in Dublin, is spearheading the investigation. The inquiry is part of a broader initiative by EU regulators to examine how AI systems handle personal data, reflecting the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and data privacy concerns. The investigation specifically focuses on whether Google has...
read Sep 10, 2024UK Report Uncovers AI Risks and Calls for Global Cooperation
The UK's Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology has released an interim report on advanced AI safety, highlighting current capabilities, potential risks, and mitigation strategies while emphasizing the need for global cooperation in addressing AI challenges. Report overview and significance: The International Scientific Report on the Safety of Advanced AI – Interim Report provides a comprehensive examination of the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence systems, with a focus on safety and risk assessment. The report delves into the capabilities of current AI systems, evaluates general-purpose AI, and explores potential risks associated with advanced AI technologies. It emphasizes...
read Sep 10, 2024How Policing Will Soon Be Done with AI, According to Leading Police Officer
AI implementation in policing: Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, advocates for rapid integration of artificial intelligence into police forces to alleviate paperwork burdens and streamline operations. Marsh likens the desired speed of AI adoption to "injecting heroin into the bloodstream," emphasizing the urgency and transformative potential of this technology in law enforcement. The College of Policing executive expressed hope that AI could make the task of preparing prosecution case files a "problem of the past" within two years. AI trials are already underway to "effectively automate" police paperwork, including statements, crime reports, and prosecution files. Potential benefits...
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