News/Global
AI Anchors are Protecting Venezuelan Journalists from Government Crackdowns
AI-powered news anchors emerge as a shield for Venezuelan journalists: In response to increasing government crackdowns on media freedom, Venezuelan news organizations have launched an innovative AI-anchored news show called "Venezuela Retweets" to protect real journalists from persecution. The faces of AI journalism: The show features two AI-generated anchors, nicknamed "The Girl" (La Chama) and "The Dude" (El Pana), who present news in short, shareable video clips designed for social media distribution. These virtual presenters allow for the dissemination of news while shielding human journalists from potential government retaliation. The format is specifically tailored to bypass traditional media censorship by...
read Sep 19, 2024Apple Intelligence to Include These New Languages in 2025
Apple expands AI capabilities: Apple's generative AI offering, 'Apple Intelligence', is set to become available in more languages in 2024, including English (India). The feature will initially launch in American English with the iOS 18.1 software update. Additional languages to be supported include English (Singapore), German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese, with more to be announced. Localized English support for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK is planned for later in 2024. Key features of Apple Intelligence: The personal intelligence system will roll out next month with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, offering a...
read Sep 19, 2024The UN is Treating AI with the Same Urgency as Climate Change
AI governance takes center stage at UN: The United Nations has released a report proposing a global effort to monitor and govern artificial intelligence, signaling a shift towards treating AI with the same urgency as climate change. The report, produced by the UN secretary general's High Level Advisory Body on AI, recommends creating a body similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to gather up-to-date information on AI and its risks. A new policy dialog on AI is proposed to allow the UN's 193 members to discuss risks and agree upon actions. The report emphasizes empowering poorer nations, especially...
read Sep 18, 2024Global AI Safety Summit Set for San Francisco in November 2024
International collaboration on AI safety: The U.S. Department of Commerce and State Department announced the inaugural convening of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, set to take place in San Francisco on November 20-21, 2024. The event aims to bring together technical experts on artificial intelligence from member countries' AI safety institutes or equivalent government-backed scientific offices. The primary goal is to align priority work areas for the Network and advance global collaboration and knowledge sharing on AI safety. This convening follows Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo's announcement of the Network's launch during the AI Seoul Summit in May....
read Sep 17, 2024Tunisia Launches AI Hub to Train 100,000 African Developers
AI innovation hub launches in Tunisia: A new AI innovation hub for developers across Tunisia has opened in Novation City, a technology park in Sousse, as part of NVIDIA's effort to train 100,000 developers across Africa in three years. The hub is a collaboration between Novation City and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI), offering training, technologies, and business networks to drive AI adoption across the continent. Located in central Tunisia, the hub provides complimentary access to NVIDIA DLI courses on topics such as generative AI, accelerated computing, and data science. Novation City's AI, industry 4.0, and smart transport centers...
read Sep 17, 2024Global Democracy Hits 50-Year Low as AI Threats Emerge
Global democracy in decline: The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) reports that 2023 marked the worst decline in credible elections and parliamentary oversight in almost 50 years. The decline is attributed to government intimidation, foreign interference, disinformation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns. This marks the eighth consecutive year of global democratic backsliding, with 47% of countries experiencing a decline in key democratic indicators over the past five years. Election credibility is threatened by dropping voter turnout, with the average percentage of the voting age population casting ballots declining from 65.2% in 2008 to 55.5%...
read Sep 16, 2024AI Governance Takes Center Stage in ASEAN-Stanford HAI Workshop
AI dialogue in Southeast Asia: Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) conducted a workshop with ASEAN leaders to discuss the impact of AI on governance, fairness, and regional cooperation. The workshop, held in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, took place before ASEAN's Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Stanford faculty members Jeff Hancock and Sanmi Koyejo led discussions on AI governance, bias, fairness, and trust with digital ministry officials, technologists, and ASEAN community members. The event highlighted the growing importance of AI in both local and global governance, with a particular focus on generative AI...
read Sep 16, 2024How AI Could Widen — or Bridge — the Global Inequality Gap
The AI equality conundrum: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to either exacerbate or alleviate global inequality, depending on how it is developed, implemented, and regulated. As AI technology rapidly advances, it is transforming various aspects of our lives, from work to healthcare and beyond. The impact of AI on social inequality is a complex and contentious issue, with arguments supporting both positive and negative outcomes. The ultimate effect of AI on equality will largely depend on how society chooses to harness and manage this powerful technology. Potential drivers of inequality: AI could potentially widen the gap between the rich...
read Sep 14, 2024G20 Nations Agree on AI Guidelines to Combat Disinformation
G20 leaders unite against disinformation and set AI guidelines: The Group of 20 nations have reached a landmark agreement to combat disinformation and establish guidelines for artificial intelligence development, marking a significant step in addressing global digital challenges. Key takeaways from the G20 meeting: For the first time in G20 history, the group has officially recognized the problem of disinformation and called for transparency and accountability from digital platforms. The ministers agreed to set up guidelines for developing AI, emphasizing ethical, transparent, and accountable use with human oversight. The agreement aims to ensure compliance with privacy and human rights laws...
read Sep 12, 2024AI Ethics Take Center Stage in Pope’s Singapore Address
Pope Francis addresses AI concerns during Singapore visit: The pontiff's recent tour of Asian countries included a stop in Singapore, where he issued warnings about the potential risks of artificial intelligence technology. During his visit to Singapore, Pope Francis emphasized that AI should be used to bring communities closer together, rather than isolate individuals. The Pope's comments in Singapore echo his earlier statements calling for a ban on "lethal autonomous weapons" and advocating for greater human control over AI technologies. Balancing technological progress and human values: Pope Francis praised Singapore's economic success while urging the nation to prioritize care for...
read Sep 10, 2024UAE Partners with Mastercard to Accelerate AI Innovation
UAE's AI Ambitions: The United Arab Emirates has partnered with Mastercard to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption, aligning with the country's Vision 2031 for integrating AI across various sectors. The collaboration includes the establishment of Mastercard's Global Center for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai, aimed at developing AI solutions for global challenges, particularly in digital and financial ecosystems. This initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UAE's Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office and Mastercard to enhance AI capabilities in the region. The partnership's initial focus is on leveraging AI to...
read Sep 9, 2024US-Nigeria AI Conference to Shape Africa’s Tech Future
U.S. and Nigeria to host AI conference in Lagos: The U.S. Department of State and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are organizing a conference on "Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa" in Lagos, Nigeria, on September 10-11, 2024. The conference will bring together over 200 stakeholders, including senior officials from the United States and Africa, private sector executives, civil society members, and academia. Participants will discuss opportunities and challenges in responsible AI development, deployment, and use. The event aims to identify and harmonize AI governance strategies between the United States and African nations to ensure safer, more...
read Sep 6, 2024What the Latest International AI Treaty Means for US Tech Giants
International AI treaty signed, impact on US tech industry unclear: The United States, European Union, and United Kingdom have signed the first legally binding international AI treaty, known as the AI Convention, developed by the Council of Europe. The treaty aims to address risks posed by artificial intelligence while promoting responsible innovation. It focuses on protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in relation to AI systems. Key principles include protecting human dignity, individual autonomy, equality, non-discrimination, privacy, and personal data protection. Limited impact on US tech companies: Experts suggest that the treaty's effect on US tech companies...
read Sep 6, 202415 Nations Sign First Legally Binding AI Treaty
Groundbreaking AI treaty signed: The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have taken a significant step towards regulating artificial intelligence by signing the first "legally binding" AI treaty. The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence aims to ensure AI systems align with human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law. Key principles outlined in the treaty include protecting user data, respecting legal frameworks, and maintaining transparency in AI practices. Signatories are required to implement or maintain appropriate legislative, administrative, or other measures to reflect the framework's guidelines. Expanding international cooperation: The treaty's reach extends beyond major global powers, with...
read Sep 4, 2024Huawei Cloud Boosts Saudi AI Talent for Vision 2030 Goals
AI initiatives unveiled to support Saudi Vision 2030: Huawei Cloud has announced a series of innovative artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at accelerating Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. The announcement was made at the Huawei Cloud Summit Saudi Arabia 2024, which gathered over 600 guests and showcased key AI technologies and ecosystem resources. These initiatives are designed to bolster Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global leader in technology and innovation by providing advanced AI solutions applicable across various industries. The focus areas align with Vision 2030 objectives, including AI-powered industry solutions for sectors such as...
read Sep 4, 2024AI Disinformation Detection Tools Are Falling Short in Global South
The global challenge of AI-generated content detection: Current AI detection tools are failing to effectively identify artificially generated media in many parts of the world, particularly in the Global South, raising concerns about the spread of disinformation and its impact on democratic processes. As generative AI becomes increasingly utilized for political purposes worldwide, the ability to detect AI-generated content has become crucial for maintaining the integrity of information ecosystems. Most existing detection tools operate with only 85-90% confidence rates in identifying AI-generated content, with this accuracy dropping significantly when applied to content from non-Western countries. The limitations of these tools...
read Sep 4, 2024AI-Generated Pizza Recipes Wow Dubai Diners with Unique Flavors
AI-generated pizza becomes a hit in Dubai: Dodo Pizza, a popular chain in Dubai, has successfully launched a pizza created using ChatGPT, demonstrating the potential of AI in culinary innovation. The "Chicken Shawarma AI-generated pizza" was developed by asking ChatGPT to create the best pizza recipe for Dubai's diverse population. The unique combination of ingredients includes shawarma chicken, tahini sauce, paneer, onions, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parsley, and Za'atar herbs. Spartak Arutyunyan, head of menu development at Dodo Pizza Dubai, expressed surprise at the success of the unconventional flavor combination. AI's role in menu development: The use of artificial intelligence in...
read Aug 15, 2024Bill Gates Tackles AI, 4 Other Global Challenges in New Netflix Series
Bill Gates explores pressing global challenges in new Netflix docuseries set to premiere in September 2024. The series, titled "What's Next? The Future With Bill Gates," delves into critical issues such as artificial intelligence, misinformation, climate change, income inequality, and disease cures. Series overview and format: The five-part docuseries follows Gates as he investigates major global problems and potential solutions, offering his unique perspective on both the opportunities and risks associated with these issues. Gates engages with a diverse group of experts, including scientists, politicians, thinkers, journalists, medical professionals, and artists, to gain insights into these complex topics. The series...
read Aug 15, 2024Google Expands AI-Powered Search Summaries to 6 New Countries
Google's AI-powered search summaries are undergoing significant changes, with new features and an expanded global reach, as the tech giant continues to evolve its AI integration in search results. New source citation format: Google is revamping how AI-generated search summaries, known as AI Overviews, display their sources to improve transparency and user experience. The new format introduces a dedicated display on the right side of the screen, highlighting cited webpages more prominently than before. On mobile devices, users can access source links by selecting site icons in the top-right corner of the AI Overview. Google is also testing the inclusion...
read Aug 12, 2024AI and Robotics Transform Industries at Mumbai Automation Expo
The upcoming Automation Expo in Mumbai promises to showcase cutting-edge innovations in AI and robotics, highlighting their transformative impact on industrial processes and factory automation. Event details and scale: The 17th edition of the Automation Expo will take place from August 21-24, 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, featuring an impressive lineup of exhibitors and brands. The four-day event will host 500 exhibitors and over 1000 brands, expecting to draw around 50,000 visitors. This large-scale expo aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies and solutions, particularly beneficial for the MSME sector. The event will feature...
read Aug 12, 2024AI Cameras Reshape New Zealand’s Public Spaces
The surveillance landscape in New Zealand: Artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and other surveillance technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in public and private spaces across the country, raising questions about privacy and data security. AI-powered cameras are being deployed in various locations, including billboards, bus windshields, petrol stations, and supermarket checkouts, creating a network of surveillance points throughout urban areas. The adoption of these technologies has largely proceeded without significant public debate or scrutiny, although recent legal challenges and media reports have begun to shed light on the extent of surveillance. A recent court case in Auckland is examining the police use...
read Aug 11, 2024AI-Powered Telemedicine Brings Cutting-Edge Healthcare to India
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of India, has inaugurated an innovative AI-driven mobile telemedicine service in a remote area of Udhampur district, marking a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility in rural regions. This development, coupled with other initiatives focused on women's empowerment and infrastructure development, showcases the government's efforts to enhance the quality of life in remote areas through technology and targeted programs. Telemedicine breakthrough: The "Doctor on Wheels" mobile service leverages artificial intelligence to bring healthcare to the doorstep of remote villages in the Udhampur district. The AI-driven telemedicine service, housed in an ambulance, can examine patients and...
read Aug 9, 2024India Lags with 64% Gender Disparity in AI Adoption
Gender disparity in AI leadership: India faces a significant 64% gender gap in AI leadership roles compared to global women leaders, according to a recent report by Nasscom and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Women constitute 36% of India's tech workforce but remain underrepresented in executive positions, highlighting a persistent challenge in achieving gender parity in the technology sector. The report, titled "GenAI: The Diversity Game Changer We Can't Ignore," analyzes AI and Generative AI (GenAI) adoption among women in the Indian tech industry. This gender disparity in leadership roles could potentially impact the development and implementation of AI technologies, as...
read Aug 8, 2024NZ Company is Showcase of AI-Powered Waste Management
Waste Management New Zealand's digital transformation is reshaping the country's leading materials recovery, recycling, and waste management provider, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The big picture: Lena Jenkins, Chief Digital Officer at Waste Management New Zealand, is spearheading a comprehensive digital strategy called "Porohita," which aims to revolutionize the company's operations and culture. Waste Management NZ supports approximately 1,800 employees across more than 70 sites and manages over 900 trucks, making it a significant player in the country's waste management sector. The "Porohita" strategy, meaning "to be circular," reflects the company's commitment to sustainable practices and circular...
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