News/Fake News
High schoolers build AI tool to combat online misinformation
Innovative high school AI course tackles real-world problems: Students at Amador Valley High School in California are developing advanced technology solutions, including an AI-powered fact-checker, as part of a unique computer science class. The course, led by teacher Kevin Kiyoi, focuses on emerging technologies and allows students to apply their skills to issues they care about, from environmentalism to civic engagement. Students are given the freedom to create solutions with minimal oversight, setting this class apart from other computer science courses in the area. The hands-on, student-driven nature of the class has led to professional opportunities for some students, including...
read Nov 6, 2024AI startup Osmo can literally smell whether a sneaker is a counterfeit
Innovative AI-powered authentication: Osmo AI has developed a groundbreaking technology that uses scent analysis to detect counterfeit sneakers and luxury goods, addressing a longstanding concern in the retail industry. The proliferation of counterfeit goods has been a major issue for both luxury and mass-market brands, especially as the second-hand market continues to grow. Counterfeiters have become increasingly skilled at mimicking authentic products, making traditional authentication methods less effective. Osmo's approach utilizes AI-enabled sensors to identify specific scent profiles associated with genuine sneakers, leveraging the unique chemical signatures of materials used in shoe production. How the technology works: Osmo's AI sensors...
read Nov 6, 2024How deepfakes and disinformation have become a billion-dollar business risk
The rising threat of AI-generated deception: Deepfakes and disinformation are emerging as significant business risks, capable of causing immediate financial and reputational damage to companies unprepared for these sophisticated technological threats. AI-generated fake content, including videos, images, and audio, can now convincingly impersonate executives, fabricate events, and manipulate market perceptions. The financial impact of such deception can be swift and severe, with a single fake image capable of triggering stock market sell-offs and disrupting critical business operations. Reputational risks are equally concerning, as AI can clone voices and generate fake reviews, potentially eroding years of carefully built trust in minutes....
read Nov 5, 2024How AI is reshaping the 2024 presidential election
The dawn of AI in elections: The 2024 U.S. election marks a significant milestone as the first where generative AI tools are widely accessible to the public, political actors, and foreign agents, potentially impacting the democratic process. Alexandra Reeve Givens, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), describes generative AI as a "magnifier to existing influence efforts" that can make disinformation cheaper, easier, and potentially more convincing. The widespread availability of AI tools has changed how voters access election information and has increased the volume and sophistication of misinformation. AI chatbots and voter misinformation: Concerns have...
read Nov 4, 2024New York AG warns of potential AI-generated election interference
Election integrity concerns: New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a warning about the potential risks of relying on AI-powered chatbots for election-related information, urging voters to use only official sources. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) conducted tests on multiple AI chatbots, finding that they frequently provided inaccurate information in response to sample questions about voting. James emphasized the importance of accurate voting information, stating that all voters deserve to know where, when, and how to vote correctly. The warning comes as early voting is underway and Election Day approaches, highlighting the urgency of the issue. Key...
read Oct 28, 2024OpenAI denies GPT-5 Orion rumors as ‘fake news’
Breaking news in AI: OpenAI CEO disputes claims of imminent GPT-5 release: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has publicly refuted a recent report suggesting the company plans to launch a new AI model, potentially GPT-5, by the end of this year. The disputed report: The Verge published an article claiming that OpenAI is preparing to release a new AI model codenamed "Orion" as early as December 2024. The report suggested that Orion would initially be made available to select companies for product and feature development. It also claimed that Microsoft engineers were already preparing to host Orion on Azure as...
read Oct 24, 2024Google DeepMind open-sources AI text watermarking technology
Google DeepMind advances AI text watermarking: Google has open-sourced SynthID, a tool designed to identify AI-generated text, as part of its broader effort to promote responsible AI development. Key features of SynthID: Adds an invisible watermark directly into AI-generated content Works by altering the probability of token generation in large language models Can detect watermarked text by comparing probability scores with unwatermarked text Deployed in Google's Gemini products and available on Hugging Face Performance and limitations: Extensive testing showed no compromise in quality, accuracy, creativity, or speed of generated text Resistant to light editing and cropping but less reliable with...
read Oct 24, 2024How AI-generated content poses a significant threat to legitimate scientific research
The rise of AI-generated content challenges information integrity: As large language models (LLMs) become increasingly prevalent in content creation, distinguishing between real and fabricated information has become a critical societal challenge. The widespread use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini in scientific publishing has made it more difficult to combat plagiarism and fake papers. While these tools can be beneficial for tasks like copyediting and writing accessible summaries, they also pose risks to the integrity of scientific knowledge. Impact on scientific knowledge graphs: AI-generated content can significantly alter the landscape of scientific knowledge, potentially leading to the spread of...
read Oct 23, 2024Google launches AI text detector to spot synthetic content
Google's AI Watermarking Innovation: Google has developed an artificial intelligence watermarking system to identify text generated by its Gemini chatbot, potentially addressing concerns about AI-generated misinformation and academic dishonesty. The company is making an open-source version of this technique available for other generative AI developers to implement in their large language models. Google DeepMind's Pushmeet Kohli describes the tool, called SynthID, as an important building block for developing more reliable AI identification tools, though not a complete solution. How SynthID Works: The watermarking system employs a sophisticated algorithm to create a detectable statistical signature in AI-generated text without compromising its...
read Oct 20, 2024Pentagon plans AI-powered social media influence campaign
AI-powered online personas: A new frontier in military intelligence: The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a secretive counterterrorism unit within the US Department of Defense, is exploring the use of generative AI to create convincing fake online personas for intelligence gathering purposes. JSOC's wishlist includes technologies capable of generating realistic online personas complete with facial imagery, background video, and audio layers for use on social media platforms and other online forums. The goal is to provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) with tools to gather information from public online spaces using these AI-generated identities. This move represents a significant shift in...
read Oct 17, 2024New survey shows Americans are worried about AI election interference
AI's impact on elections and society: A growing concern: A new survey reveals widespread apprehension about artificial intelligence's potential to interfere with major events, particularly elections, while also highlighting the public's complex relationship with the technology. More than half (54%) of the 6,000 Americans surveyed across 50 states believe AI will interfere with significant events like presidential elections. This concern transcends political divides, with both traditionally Republican-leaning states like Idaho (78%) and Democrat-leaning states like Virginia (78%) expressing high levels of worry about digital manipulation in elections. Interestingly, respondents in Washington and North Carolina showed less concern, with only 32%...
read Oct 15, 2024Can digital watermarking save the world from AI-generated fake news?
The rise of AI-generated content: A new frontier in media authenticity: As artificial intelligence technologies advance, the challenge of distinguishing between real and fake media content has become increasingly complex, prompting stakeholders to explore digital watermarking as a potential solution. The evolving landscape of media manipulation: From the early days of Photoshop to today's sophisticated AI-generated content, the ability to alter and create realistic media has raised concerns about authenticity and trust in digital information. The introduction of Photoshop in 1990 initially sparked controversy over image manipulation, leading to the term "Photoshopped" becoming a widely recognized verb. AI has elevated...
read Oct 15, 2024Missed the Northern Lights? Meta suggests fabricating images instead
AI-generated image controversy: Meta has sparked outrage on its Threads platform by suggesting users create fake Northern Lights photos using Meta AI, highlighting growing concerns about misinformation and the ethical use of AI image generators. Meta's Threads post, titled "POV: you missed the northern lights IRL, so you made your own with Meta AI," showcased AI-generated images of the Northern Lights over famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Las Vegas. The post received significant backlash from users, with some criticizing Meta's apparent disregard for authentic photography and others expressing concern about the potential for spreading misinformation. Ethical implications...
read Oct 10, 2024Why OpenAI is sounding alarm bells about misinformation
AI misinformation concerns raised by OpenAI: OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research company, has issued a warning about the potential for AI-generated misinformation, highlighting growing concerns in the tech industry about the responsible development and use of advanced AI systems. CNBC reporter Deirdre Bosa has covered this development, focusing on the challenges of misinformation in the era of artificial intelligence. OpenAI's warning underscores the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content and its potential to create and spread false or misleading information at scale. The company's statement reflects a proactive approach to addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI technology, particularly in the realm...
read Oct 9, 2024How AI is safeguarding consumers and businesses from emerging threats
The evolving landscape of AI-driven fraud and security: Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical tool in both perpetrating and combating fraud, with significant implications for consumer and business safety. AI-generated deepfakes have emerged as a serious threat, capable of mimicking voices, facial expressions, and personal data to bypass traditional security measures. A recent incident in Hong Kong highlighted the potential dangers, where fraudsters used deepfake technology to impersonate company executives and authorize a $25 million transaction. The rise of AI-assisted fraud is expected to continue, necessitating a shift in how businesses approach identity verification. AI's role in strengthening identity verification:...
read Oct 8, 2024AI-generated images of Hurricane Helene are flooding social media
Hurricane Helene sparks AI-generated misinformation: The recent Hurricane Helene has led to a surge of AI-generated images on social media platforms, potentially hampering relief efforts and spreading false information. AI-created images of hurricane victims and first responders are circulating on Instagram, Facebook, and X, with some garnering over a million views. One viral image depicts a young girl holding a drenched puppy in flood waters, which has been used to criticize the federal government's disaster response. Other fabricated images show individuals wading through water, law enforcement providing aid, and even former President Donald Trump in a life jacket. Experts warn...
read Sep 30, 2024AI-generated Hitler videos are flooding social media
Hitler's AI-powered resurgence: Artificial intelligence is being utilized by right-wing extremists to revive Adolf Hitler's image and speeches on social media platforms, leading to widespread viewership and a concerning whitewashing of his historical legacy. A study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reveals that AI-generated videos and audio of Hitler reciting his speeches in English are gaining significant traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Just seven AI-generated Hitler speech videos on YouTube, posted in 2024, amassed 6.9 million views, highlighting the alarming reach of this content. Platform algorithms are amplifying the spread of this extremist...
read Sep 26, 2024Tom Brady fooled by viral Meta AI social media hoax
Meta AI hoax fools celebrities: A recent social media hoax about Meta AI's discontinuation has managed to deceive several high-profile individuals, including NFL legend Tom Brady and actress Kristen Bell. The hoax, often referred to as a "copypasta" (a block of text that is repeatedly copied and pasted across social media platforms), falsely claimed that Meta AI was shutting down. Tom Brady, former NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion, fell for the deceptive message and shared it, unknowingly spreading misinformation. Actress Kristen Bell, known for her roles in "The Good Place" and "Veronica Mars," also succumbed to the hoax,...
read Sep 25, 2024AI privacy hoax spreads on Facebook: what users need to know
The rise of AI-related privacy concerns: A viral copypasta claiming to protect users from Meta's AI has spread across social media platforms, highlighting growing anxieties about personal data and AI training. The "Goodbye Meta AI" copypasta, featuring legal-sounding language and urgent calls to action, has been shared thousands of times on Facebook and Instagram. Notable figures, including Tom Brady and James McAvoy, have reportedly shared the copypasta in their Instagram Stories. This trend echoes similar viral posts from over a decade ago, which also claimed to protect users' data through pseudo-legal declarations. Debunking the copypasta's claims: Despite its widespread circulation,...
read Sep 25, 2024AI Erodes Public Trust in Online Election Media, Adobe Survey Finds
The AI-driven erosion of media trust: The rise of deepfakes and AI-generated content has significantly impacted public trust in online media, particularly concerning election-related information, according to a recent Adobe survey. Nearly 75% of respondents have questioned the authenticity of photos and videos from reputable news sources due to perceived rampant misinformation. Over 40% reported being misled by election-related falsehoods in the past three months. 43% of those surveyed said they are less likely to trust online content related to the election. Social media platforms under scrutiny: The survey reveals a growing distrust in social media platforms and calls for...
read Sep 25, 2024Russia is Using AI to Tip 2024 Election Toward Trump
Russian AI-powered disinformation campaign targets 2024 U.S. election: The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has released a report detailing Russia's use of artificial intelligence to influence the upcoming presidential race, with a focus on undermining Vice President Kamala Harris and supporting Donald Trump. Russia is leveraging both homegrown and existing AI tools to create misleading content across various media formats, including text, images, audio, and video. A notable example of this campaign includes a staged video falsely implicating Harris in a hit-and-run accident, as well as manipulated clips of her speeches. The Russian efforts extend beyond AI-generated...
read Sep 22, 2024AI is Shaping Politics, But Not in the Ways Experts Feared
AI's unexpected role in the 2024 U.S. presidential race: Contrary to initial fears of hyper-realistic deepfakes, artificial intelligence is shaping the election through absurd and often cartoonish content, particularly in the contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The surreal landscape of AI-generated political content: Rather than sophisticated deepfakes, voters are encountering a barrage of outlandish AI-created images and videos that push the boundaries of reality and political messaging. AI-generated memes featuring Trump riding a cat or Harris sporting a mustache have become commonplace, showcasing the technology's capacity for creating bizarre and attention-grabbing content. These surreal...
read Sep 21, 2024Why Congress Must Act Now to Protect Elections from AI
AI's growing impact on elections: Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing electoral processes, creating new opportunities for voter manipulation and deception. The 2024 general election is approaching, and AI is already playing a significant role in shaping political communication and voter perceptions. Bad actors can use AI to create convincing "deepfakes" - deceptive audio or visual content that portrays false or distorted realities, potentially misleading voters about candidates' actions or statements. Recent examples of AI misuse in elections: Several incidents have demonstrated the potential for AI to be used maliciously in electoral contexts. In New Hampshire's 2024 presidential primary, AI-generated robocalls...
read Sep 19, 2024Democratic Senators Urge FCC to Pass Proposal for AI Political Ads
FCC considers AI disclosure rule for political ads: The Federal Communications Commission is weighing a proposal to require broadcasters to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Democratic senators, led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, have urged the FCC to adopt the proposed rules, emphasizing the urgency given the proximity of the election and the fact that some states have already begun early voting. The proposal, introduced by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in July, would mandate broadcasters to inquire about AI-generated content in political ads and disclose this information...
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