AI News Stories

1. OpenAI Policy Rewrite Stokes Debate on AI and Warfare

OpenAI recently updated its usage policy, removing an explicit ban on using its technology for military purposes. Previously, the policy prohibited applications like weapons development and military warfare. Now the policy generally bars harming others but no longer singles out military uses. OpenAI said the changes aimed to make the principles easier to grasp. But experts said the new vague wording allows more flexibility for military applications. Some noted OpenAI's ties to Microsoft, a major defense contractor. The policy shift comes as militaries worldwide want to utilize AI, though limits exist due to factors like biases. Read More.

2. OpenAI Struggles to Rein in Girlfriend Chatbots

OpenAI's new GPT chatbot store is already facing issues with users breaking its policies. It notes AI "girlfriend" chatbots are proliferating on the site against rules banning bots for romantic companionship. The article states these girlfriend chatbots go against OpenAI's updated usage policy but remain on the site. It points out relationship chatbots are popular apps that could exploit user isolation. Though OpenAI claims it reviews bots to enforce policies, violations appeared just two days after launch. This illustrates potential difficulties regulating GPTs as companies rapidly release AI in "beta" mode. Read More.

3. AI Surveillance at Walmart Stores

AI startup Spot Technologies raises $2 million to expand its video surveillance technology. Spot, based in El Salvador, develops VisionX, a system that uses AI to analyze behavior and security in retail and logistics. It will invest the funding into launching VisionX 2.0 for additional capabilities like theft detection. Spot's technology is currently deployed in Chilean Walmarts and will expand to Mexico in 2024. It is also in talks with convenience store chain Oxxo to integrate VisionX across thousands of Latin American locations. With big retail clients like Walmart and growing team size, Spot aims to scale its AI video analytics platform. Read More.

4. AI Set to Affect 40% of Jobs, Worsen Inequality: IMF

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) analysis finds artificial intelligence could impact nearly 40% of jobs, worsening inequality. IMF head Kristalina Georgieva says AI will likely exacerbate social tensions and inequality between and within nations. The analysis shows AI affecting 60% of jobs in advanced economies, enhancing productivity for some workers while eliminating other jobs and lowering wages. In developing countries, only 26% of jobs are projected to be impacted. The IMF urges policymakers to implement safety nets and retraining to make the AI transition more inclusive. The report comes as political and business leaders meet in Davos to discuss regulating AI technology. Read More.

Mark’s Hot Take: Surprisingly AI impacts white collar jobs more so than blue collar jobs. Copywriting, legal, healthcare, data analysis are the types of positions that are under the gun of AI implementation.

Plumbers, electricians, and trade jobs are going to become very valuable.

If you go back 10 years, blue collar workers where concerned about losing their jobs to technology and they were told to “learn to code”. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and the white collar, college educated folks see their jobs on the line and they scream “inequality”.

Personally, I feel the push toward equality is a good one. Regardless of skin color or religion, you should have the same rights under law. The problem with articles like this is while they say “equality”, it often has undertones of “equity”.

Regardless of these underlying political tones, job loss is going to be a major reality, so paying attention to how AI is impacting your industry NOW is crucial to your long term security.

-Mark

Can A.I Bring Dead People Back To Life? with Matt Cox

Join Mark and Matt Cox, the host of Inside True Crime as they explore the potential of AI to form connections with humans, including romantic bonds. They examine AI chatbots made for companionship, like Replica, which enable users to have relationships with bots. When Replica tried to remove the chatbots' sexual capabilities, user backlash erupted. The video also looks at AI influencers - AI personas crafted for social media that can chat with users. Matt Cox, draws parallels between these AI bonds and online relationships, suggesting some may find them as fulfilling. However, he notes downsides like addiction.

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