Here are some of the top tech news stories from the past week or so:
- AI and the ‘Zombie Internet’: The article discusses the growing concern over the misuse of AI in generating spam and junk content, often referred to as the ‘zombie internet’. The article emphasizes the need for more robust regulations and an understanding of AI to mitigate these risks.
- OpenAI’s Superalignment Team Dissolution: OpenAI has disbanded its Superalignment team, which focused on artificial intelligence’s long-term risks. The decision followed the departure of team leaders Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike. Critics argue that this move could undermine the safety culture within the AI community.
- Melinda French Gates and Tech’s ‘Brilliant Jerk’ Culture: Melinda French Gates advocates for a change in the tech industry’s ‘brilliant jerk’ culture, which is known for mistreating women. The article highlights the need for a more inclusive and respectful work environment in tech companies.
- Deepfake Risks to Biometric Security: The article discusses the potential risks posed by deepfakes to biometric security systems. It highlights the need for advanced countermeasures, such as liveness testing and anti-spoofing algorithms, to protect against these threats.
- Early Cancer Detection Through Blood Proteins: Scientists have identified proteins in the blood that could potentially warn of cancer seven years before diagnosis. This discovery could pave the way for early detection and preventative therapies, significantly improving patient outcomes.
- TikTok’s Uphill Battle: TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, faces legal challenges due to a new law that could ban the platform in the U.S. The company has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and infringes on First Amendment rights.
- EU’s Demand for Clarity from Microsoft on AI Risks: The European Commission has demanded that Microsoft clarify the risks associated with generative AI features in its search engine, Bing. The commission is particularly concerned about the potential for deepfakes and automated manipulation of services that could mislead voters.
