Daily AI NEWS - May 31, 2024
AI Risks, Propaganda, and Education

OpenAI reported that it halted five covert operations in the last three months that exploited its AI models for deceptive activities online. These operations, linked to Russia, China, Iran, and Israel, aimed to manipulate public opinion.

OpenAI's first report revealed that bad actors in various countries, including Russia and China, are using AI to spread propaganda, though with limited success.

Meta also disclosed that it dismantled an Israeli network which wielded AI-generated propaganda targeting the U.S., involving a total of 510 Facebook accounts, 11 pages, one group, and 32 Instagram accounts. Additionally, Meta shut down an Iranian network targeting Israeli users.

OpenAI is expanding its reach with the introduction of ChatGPT Edu, a version tailored for schools and universities. This edition aims to provide students, academics, and faculty with specialized AI tools to enhance the learning experience. The initiative highlights OpenAI’s commitment to integrating AI more broadly in educational settings.

Additionally, OpenAI has unveiled new features for its free ChatGPT users. These updates include custom GPTs, data analytics, and vision capabilities that were previously accessible only to paying subscribers. This move democratizes advanced AI functionalities, allowing a broader audience to benefit from generative AI technology.

Meanwhile, PwC has forged a new partnership with OpenAI, aimed at leveraging powerful ChatGPT versions. This deal underscores the growing importance of AI in consulting, as almost all PwC clients are actively engaging with generative AI to enhance their business processes.

More than 60 countries are holding elections in 2024. Throughout the year, WIRED will be tracking every instance of AI's use in and around those campaigns.

AI's influence on elections is becoming increasingly significant. It is being used for strategic voter targeting, automated sentiment analysis, and even for generating campaign materials. However, concerns are rising regarding manipulation risks and misinformation.

Regulations and oversight are crucial as AI's role expands, ensuring fair practices and transparency. The 2024 elections could be a critical point in understanding and managing this emerging technology's impact on democracy.

Last week, Sony published a series of interviews highlighting its "creative entertainment vision." Among these was an allegedly fabricated interview with Neil Druckmann, head of the game studio Naughty Dog, known for "The Last of Us."

The interview faced backlash after Druckmann posted clarifications on social media, revealing significant errors and inaccurate quotes. As a result, Sony has retracted the controversial content and issued an apology.

This incident underscores the growing concerns over the misuse and manipulation of AI-generated content, sparking debates about authenticity and ethical journalism in the digital age.

Microsoft announced the arrival of its AI Copilot in Telegram for a "conversational" experience. This integration aims to offer more interactive and intuitive user interactions within the messaging platform.

Google is integrating AI into Chromebook Plus, potentially mimicking the functionality of Microsoft's Copilot Plus on Windows. This move could intensify competition in the AI-powered device market.

iOS 18 is expected to debut new generative AI features for the iPhone with a mix of on-device and cloud-based processing. A recent report highlights Apple's strong privacy protections for these cloud-based AI functionalities.