Meta has spearheaded an open letter calling for urgent reform of AI regulations in the EU. The letter, which garnered support from over 50 prominent companies – including Ericsson, SAP, and Spotify – was published as an advert in the Financial Times. The collective voice of these industry leaders highlights a pressing issue: Europe’s bureaucratic approach to AI regulation may be stifling innovation and causing the region to lag behind its global counterparts. “Europe has become less competitive and less innovative compared to other regions and it now risks falling further behind in the AI era due to inconsistent regulatory decision making,” the letter states, painting a stark picture of the continent’s current position in the AI race. The signatories emphasise two key areas of concern. Firstly, they point to the development of ‘open’ models, which are freely available for use, modification, and further development. These models are lauded for their potential to “multiply the benefits and spread social and economic opportunity” while simultaneously bolstering sovereignty and control. Secondly, the letter underscores the importance of ‘multimodal’ models, which integrate text, images, and speech capabilities. The signatories argue that the leap from text-only to multimodal models is akin to “the difference between having only one sense and having all five of them”. They assert that these advanced models could significantly boost productivity, drive scientific research, and inject hundreds of billions of euros into the European economy. However, the crux of the matter lies in the regulatory landscape. The letter expresses frustration with the uncertainty surrounding data usage for AI model training, stemming from interventions by European Data Protection Authorities. This ambiguity, they argue, could result in Large Language Models (LLMs) lacking crucial Europe-specific training data. To address these challenges, the signatories call for “harmonised, consistent, quick and clear decisions under EU data regulations that enable European data to be used in AI training for the benefit of Europeans”. They stress the need for “decisive action” to unlock Europe’s potential for creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, which they believe is essential for the region’s prosperity and technological leadership. A copy of the letter can be found below: While the letter acknowledges the importance of consumer protection, it also highlights the delicate balance regulators must strike to avoid hindering commercial progress. The European Commission’s approach to regulation has often been criticised for its perceived heavy-handedness, and this latest appeal from industry leaders adds weight to growing concerns about the region’s global competitiveness in the AI sector. The pressure is rapidly mounting on European policymakers to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The coming months will likely see intensified dialogue between industry stakeholders and regulators as they grapple with these complex issues that will shape the future of AI development in Europe. (Photo by Sara Kurfeß) See also: SolarWinds: IT professionals want stronger AI regulation Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, ethics, eu, europe, european union, government, law, legal, regulation, Society Source link

A new survey from SolarWinds has unveiled a resounding call for increased government oversight of AI, with 88% of IT professionals advocating for stronger regulation. The study, which polled nearly 700 IT experts, highlights security as the paramount concern. An overwhelming 72% of respondents emphasised the critical need for measures to secure infrastructure. Privacy follows closely behind, with 64% of IT professionals urging for more robust rules to protect sensitive information. Rob Johnson, VP and Global Head of Solutions Engineering at SolarWinds, commented: “It is understandable that IT leaders are approaching AI with caution. As technology rapidly evolves, it naturally presents challenges typical of any emerging innovation. “Security and privacy remain at the forefront, with ongoing scrutiny by regulatory bodies. However, it is incumbent upon organisations to take proactive measures by enhancing data hygiene, enforcing robust AI ethics and assembling the right teams to lead these efforts. This proactive stance not only helps with compliance with evolving regulations but also maximises the potential of AI.” The survey’s findings come at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the implementation of the EU’s AI Act. In the UK, the new Labour government recently proposed its own AI legislation during the latest King’s speech, signalling a growing recognition of the need for regulatory frameworks. In the US, the California State Assembly passed a controversial AI safety bill last month. Beyond security and privacy, the survey reveals a broader spectrum of concerns amongst IT professionals. A majority (55%) believe government intervention is crucial to stem the tide of AI-generated misinformation. Additionally, half of the respondents support regulations aimed at ensuring transparency and ethical practices in AI development. Challenges extend beyond AI regulation However, the challenges facing AI adoption extend beyond regulatory concerns. The survey uncovers a troubling lack of trust in data quality—a cornerstone of successful AI implementation. Only 38% of respondents consider themselves ‘very trusting’ of the data quality and training used in AI systems. This scepticism is not unfounded, as 40% of IT leaders who have encountered issues with AI attribute these problems to algorithmic errors stemming from insufficient or biased data. Consequently, data quality emerges as the second most significant barrier to AI adoption (16%), trailing only behind security and privacy risks. This finding underscores the critical importance of robust, unbiased datasets in driving AI success. “High-quality data is the cornerstone of accurate and reliable AI models, which in turn drive better decision-making and outcomes,” adds Johnson. “Trustworthy data builds confidence in AI among IT professionals, accelerating the broader adoption and integration of AI technologies.” The survey also sheds light on widespread concerns about database readiness. Less than half (43%) of IT professionals express confidence in their company’s ability to meet the increasing data demands of AI. This lack of preparedness is further exacerbated by the perception that organisations are not moving swiftly enough to implement AI, with 46% of respondents citing ongoing data quality challenges as a contributing factor. As AI continues to reshape the technological landscape, the findings of this SolarWinds survey serve as a clarion call for both stronger regulation and improved data practices. The message from IT professionals is clear: while AI holds immense promise, its successful integration hinges on addressing critical concerns around security, privacy, and data quality. (Photo by Kelly Sikkema) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: adoption, ai, artificial intelligence, data, ethics, law, legal, Legislation, regulation, report, safety, Society, solarwinds, study Source link

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is code or technologies that perform complex calculations, an area that encompasses simulations, data processing and analytics. AI has increasingly grown in importance, becoming a game changer in many industries, including healthcare, education and finance. The use of AI has been proven to double levels of effectiveness, efficiency and accuracy in many processes, and reduced cost in different market sectors.  AI’s impact is being felt across the globe, so, it is important we understand the effects of AI on society and our daily lives.  Better understanding of AI and all that it does and can mean can be gained from well-researched AI books. Books on AI provide insights into the use and applications of AI. They describe the advancement of AI since its inception and how it has shaped society so far. In this article, we will be examining recommended best books on AI that focus on the societal implications. For those who don’t have time to read entire books, book summary apps like Headway will be of help. Book 1: “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies” by Nick Bostrom Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher with a background in computational neuroscience, logic and AI safety.  In his book, Superintelligence, he talks about how AI  can surpass our current definitions of intelligence and the possibilities that might ensue. Bostrom also talks about the possible risks to humanity if superintelligence is not managed properly, stating AI can easily become a threat to the entire human race if we exercise no control over the technology.  Bostrom offers strategies that might curb existential risks, talks about how Al can be aligned with human values to reduce those risks and suggests teaching AI human values. Superintelligence is recommended for anyone who is interested in knowing and understanding the implications of AI on humanity’s future. Book 2: “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order” by Kai-Fu Lee AI expert Kai-Fu Lee’s book, AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, examines the AI revolution and its impact so far, focusing on China and the USA.  He concentrates on the competition between these two countries in AI and the various contributions to the advancement of the technology made by each. He highlights China’s advantage, thanks in part to its larger population.  China’s significant investment so far in AI is discussed, and its chances of becoming a global leader in AI. Lee believes that cooperation between the countries will help shape the future of global power dynamics and therefore the economic development of the world. In thes book, Lee states AI has the ability to transform economies by creating new job opportunities with massive impact on all sectors.  If you are interested in knowing the geo-political and economic impacts of AI, this is one of the best books out there.  Book 3: “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” by Max Tegmark Max Tegmark’s Life 3.0 explores the concept of humans living in a world that is heavily influenced by AI. In the book, he talks about the concept of Life 3.0, a future where human existence and society will be shaped by AI. It focuses on many aspects of humanity including identity and creativity.  Tegmark envisions a time where AI has the ability to reshape human existence. He also emphasises the need to follow ethical principles to ensure the safety and preservation of human life.  Life 3.0 is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think deeply about the choices humanity may face as we progress into the AI era.  It’s one of the best books to read if you are interested in the ethical and philosophical discussions surrounding AI. Book 4: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution” by Klaus Schwab Klaus Martin Schwab is a German economist, mechanical engineer and founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). He argues that machines are becoming smarter with every advance in technology and supports his arguments with evidence from previous revolutions in thinking and industry. He explains that the current age – the fourth industrial revolution – is building on the third: with far-reaching consequences. He states use of AI in technological advancement is crucial and that cybernetics can be used by AIs to change and shape the technological advances coming down the line towards us all. This book is perfect if you are interested in AI-driven advancements in the fields of digital and technological growth. With this book, the role AI will play in the next phases of technological advancement will be better understood. Book 5: “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy” by Cathy O’Neil Cathy O’Neil’s book emphasises the harm that defective mathematical algorithms cause in judging human behaviour and character. The continual use of maths algorithms promotes harmful results and creates inequality. An example given in  the book is of research that proved bias in voting choices caused by results from different search engines. Similar examination is given to research that focused Facebook, where, by making newsfeeds appear on users’ timelines, political preferences could be affected. This book is best suited for readers who want to adventure in the darker sides of AI that wouldn’t regularly be seen in mainstream news outlets. Book 6: “The Age of Em: Work, Love, and Life when Robots Rule the Earth” by Robin Hanson An associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a former researcher at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University, Robin Hanson paints an imaginative picture of emulated human brains designed for robots. What if humans copied or “emulated” their brains and emotions and gave them to robots? He argues that humans who become “Ems” (emulations) will become more dominant in the future workplace because of their higher productivity. An intriguing book for fans of technology and those who love intelligent predictions of possible futures. Book 7: “Architects of Intelligence: The truth about AI from the people building it” by Martin Ford This book was drawn from interviews with

A singer from the United States has been accused of manipulating music streaming platforms using AI technologies and bots to fraudulently inflate his stream statistics and earn millions of dollars in royalties. Michael Smith, 52, from North Carolina, faces charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. According to the BBC, authorities allege that this is the first time AI has been used to allow such a large-scale streaming scam. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasised the scope of the fraud, claiming that Smith took millions of dollars in royalties that should have gone to real musicians, songwriters and rights holders. The accusations stem from an unsealed indictment alleging that Smith distributed hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs across multiple streaming platforms. To avoid detection, automated bots streamed the tracks—sometimes up to 10,000 at a time. Smith allegedly earned more than $10 million in illegal royalties over several years. The FBI played a crucial role in the investigation. The agency’s acting assistant director, Christie M. Curtis, explained that the agency was dedicated to tracking down those who misuse technology to rob people of their earnings while simultaneously undermining the efforts of real artists. According to the indictment, Smith began working with the CEO of an undisclosed AI music firm around 2018. This co-conspirator allegedly provided Smith with thousands of AI-generated tracks each month. In exchange, Smith offered metadata such as song titles and artist names, and offered a share of streaming earnings. One email exchange between Smith and the unnamed CEO in March 2019 demonstrates how the plot took shape. The executive stated, “Keep in mind what we’re doing musically here…this is not ‘music,’ [but] ‘instant music’).” The email emphasises the operation’s intentional nature, as well as the use of AI to generate large amounts of content with minimal effort. According to the indictment, the technology improved over time, making it harder for streaming platforms to detect fraudulent streams. In another email dated February, Smith boasted that his AI-generated tracks had accumulated over 4 billion streams and $12 million in royalties since 2019. If convicted, Smith faces significant prison time for the charges brought against him. The Smith case is not the only one involving bogus music streaming royalties. Earlier this year, a Danish man received an 18-month term for a similar plan. Music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube forbid bots and artificial streams from being used to boost royalties. Such behaviour is disruptive and illegal, and platforms have taken steps to combat it through policy changes. For instance, if artificial streams are detected, Spotify charges the label or distributor and music can earn royalties only if it meets certain criteria. Nevertheless, the proliferation of AI-generated music continues to disrupt the music industry. Musicians and record companies fear they will lose revenue and recognition due to AI tools capable of creating music, text and images. Such tools reportedly sometimes use content that musicians and other creators have posted on the internet, raising questions about copyright infringement. Tension came to a head in 2023 when a track that mimicked the voices of popular artists Drake and The Weeknd went viral, prompting streaming platforms to remove it. Earlier this year, several high-profile musicians, including Billie Eilish, Elvis Costello and Aerosmith, signed an open letter urging the music industry to address the “predatory” use of AI to generate content. (Photo by israel palacio) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, apple, artificial intelligence, Spotify Source link

Walmart and Amazon are harnessing AI to drive retail transformation with new consumer experiences and enhanced operational efficiency. According to analytics firm GlobalData, Walmart is focusing on augmented reality and AI-enhanced store management. Amazon, meanwhile, is leading advancements in customer personalisation and autonomous systems. Kiran Raj, Practice Head of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, notes: “Walmart and Amazon are no longer competing for market share alone. Their AI strategies are reshaping the entire retail ecosystem—from Walmart’s blend of digital and physical shopping experiences to Amazon’s operational automation.” GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center, utilising its Technology Foresights tool, has identified the strategic focus of these retail titans based on their patent filings. Walmart has submitted over 3,000 AI-related patents, with 20% of these in the last three years, indicating a swift evolution in its AI capabilities. In contrast, Amazon boasts more than 9,000 patents; half of which were filed during the same timeframe, underpinning its leadership in AI-driven retail innovations. AI-powered retail transformation Walmart is deploying AI-driven solutions like in-store product recognition while making notable strides in AR applications, including virtual try-ons. The company’s progress in smart warehouses and image-based transactions denotes a shift towards fully automated retail, enhancing both speed and precision in customer service. Amazon stands out with its extensive deployment of AI in customer personalisation and autonomous systems. By harnessing technologies such as Autonomous Network Virtualisation and Automated VNF Deployment, the company is advancing its operational infrastructure and aiming to set new standards in network efficiency and data management. Walmart’s development of intelligent voice assistants and automated store surveillance emphasises its aim to provide a seamless and secure shopping experience. Concurrently, Amazon’s progress in AI for coding and surveillance is pushing the boundaries of enterprise AI applications and enhancing security capabilities. “Walmart and Amazon’s aggressive innovation strategies not only strengthen their market positions but also set a blueprint for the future of the retail sector,” Raj explains. “As these two giants continue to push the boundaries of retail AI, the broader industry can expect ripple effects in supply chain innovation, customer loyalty programmes, and operational scalability—setting the stage for a new era of consumer engagement.” (Photo by Marques Thomas) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, Amazon, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, globaldata, research, retail, retail transformation, walmart Source link

What was supposed to herald a new era of AI for Apple has instead left many underwhelmed when the tech giant unveiled the iPhone 16 series, its first AI-powered smartphone line-up, which happens to be still in beta testing and expected to take months, if not years, to fully roll out globally. To make matters worse for the Cupertino, California-based smartphone maker, Chinese tech giant Huawei launched its new Mate XT smartphone just hours after the former’s event, boasting far more impressive AI features powered by Huawei’s in-house Kylin chips. Huawei’s move showcases its ability to innovate despite facing US sanctions, but it also spells uncertainty for Apple’s market share in Mainland China, one of its most crucial markets. Let’s explore why. Apple and its AI gambit: Worth the hype? The delay in rolling out AI features has led many industry analysts to question whether Apple’s AI push is ready for prime time. “With lots of words like ‘later this year’ and ‘early next year’, the core Apple message for iPhone 16 was: Next year will be better,” Reuters quoted Needham analyst Laura Martin. Apple’s suite of tools, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, has been in development for some time. The company has touted the technology since its developer’s conference in June. However, the software won’t be included in the initial versions of the new iPhones, and many key features won’t arrive until next year.  For now, the technology primarily focuses on summarising messages and notifications rather than matching the more advanced capabilities of rival systems. Delayed AI features in iPhone 16 dampen enthusiasm–especially in China In China, the excitement of the launch of the iPhone 16 series on Monday quickly turned to disappointment for many local Apple users when they learned that the AI features would not be immediately available in their language until next year.  At the same time, Huawei’s AI assistant, with text summary, translation, and editing functions, and AI-boosted image editing functions, such as trimming unwanted parts of photos, will be readily available once Mate XT goes on sale later this month. This delay has prompted scepticism about the value proposition of the new iPhones in China, especially given the fierce competition from local rivals like Huawei. “The absence of AI in China is akin to cutting one of Apple’s arms,” one commentator remarked on Weibo, China’s popular microblogging platform. Another user pointedly asked, “With the biggest selling point unavailable, shouldn’t you charge us half the price?” These sentiments reflect a growing frustration among Chinese consumers who feel they are not getting the total value of Apple’s latest innovations, according to South China Morning Post. In contrast, Huawei’s new Mate XT, which users can fold three ways like an accordion screen door, has already received more than four million pre-orders, for which no deposit is required, according to the company’s website. According to research firm IDC, the global market for foldable phones was around 4 million units in the second quarter. “Today, we bring you a product everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,” Huawei executive director Richard Yu said at the launch. On the other hand, Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power Apple Intelligence. This is because the uncertain regulatory landscape in mainland China adds to the complexity of the situation. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved 188 large language models for public use, none of which are from foreign companies.  This raises questions about whether Apple’s AI features will be available in mainland China even when rolled out in other Chinese-speaking regions. Apple has stated on its website that the launch date of its AI feature in China will depend on the decision of Chinese regulators.  But Apple has to catch up, and it has to be fast. Apple sales have been dwindling, and the company’s ranking in the world’s second-largest economy has dropped from third to sixth place. This is even though Apple has long experienced robust demand in China, where new iPhone debuts have historically caused a frenzy.  The industry took a surprising turn when Shenzhen-based Huawei returned to the high-end smartphone sector last year with the debut of a device powered by a domestically manufactured chip. This defied US sanctions that had cut off access to the global chipset supply chain.  The Mate 60 Pro’s debut startled analysts and US officials. In addition, Huawei started offering two-way foldable phones in its inventory, and strong sales in China helped it beat Samsung Electronics as the world’s largest vendor of such phones earlier this year.  The delay with Apple Intelligence in China will give competitors like Huawei a window of opportunity to capture market share and establish themselves as leaders in AI-powered smartphones within their home turf. This could make it more challenging for Apple to regain ground once its AI features finally arrive in the country. Ultimately, Apple’s AI ambitions in China represent a high-stakes gamble for the tech giant. While the company’s brand still holds significant appeal, the delayed rollout of AI features and intense competition from resurgent local players like Huawei pose serious challenges.  As the smartphone market in China continues to evolve, Apple’s ability to adapt its AI strategy to local conditions may determine its future success in this critical market. (Photo by James Lee) See also: Could an Apple-Meta partnership redefine the AI landscape? Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, artificial intelligence Source link

Sony Research and AI Singapore (AISG) will collaborate on research for the SEA-LION family of large language models (LLMs). SEA-LION, which stands for Southeast Asian Languages In One Network, aims to improve the accuracy and capability of AI models when processing languages from the region. This is particularly important given the linguistic diversity of Southeast Asia, which is home to over a thousand different languages.  “As a global company, diversity and localisation are vital forces,” said Hiroaki Kitano, President of Sony Research. “In Southeast Asia specifically, there are more than a thousand different languages spoken by the citizens of the region. This linguistic diversity underscores the importance of ensuring AI models and tools are designed to support the needs of all populations around the world.” The collaboration will focus on testing and improving the SEA-LION model, with a particular emphasis on Tamil, a language spoken by an estimated 60-85 million people worldwide. Sony Research will leverage its expertise in Indian languages – including Tamil – and its research in speech generation, content analysis, and recognition. “Access to LLMs that address the global landscape of language and culture has been a barrier to driving research and developing new technologies that are representative and equitable for the global populations we serve,” Kitano added. The collaboration is further strengthened by Kitano’s existing ties to the Singaporean technology landscape. He holds positions on numerous advisory councils and boards in the country, including the Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF). “The integration of the SEA-LION model, with its Tamil language capabilities, holds great potential to boost the performance of new solutions,” Teo continued. “We are particularly eager to contribute to the testing and refinement of the SEA-LION models for Tamil and other Southeast Asian languages, while also sharing our expertise and best practices in LLM development. “We look forward to seeing how this collaboration will drive innovation in multilingual AI technologies.” (Photo by James Lee) See also: Whitepaper dispels fears of AI-induced job losses Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, ai singapore, aisg, artificial intelligence, asia, large language model, llm, sony, sony research Source link

Fears that AI will lead to mass job losses are unfounded, according to a new whitepaper. The report, released by British AI software firm Automated Analytics, found that none of its 5,000 clients across the UK and US reported laying off staff as a result of AI implementation.  The whitepaper, titled “Unlocking Data, Unlocking People: Harnessing the Power of AI to Transform Your Business,” launched today at Scale Space White City in London’s White City Innovation District. It argues that AI can actually be a catalyst for growth, rather than a threat to jobs. Despite evidence to the contrary, the study also reveals a lingering fear of AI among UK business leaders.  A YouGov survey commissioned by Automated Analytics found that over half of senior decision-makers still believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates. Only 17% believe AI will create more jobs than it eliminates.  This hesitancy, the report warns, could have serious consequences for the UK economy. As US firms increasingly embrace AI, British businesses risk being left behind. Mark Taylor, CEO of Automated Analytics, argues that the UK needs to shift its focus from regulation to innovation in order to remain competitive. “AI is not about replacing jobs; it’s about enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities,” says Taylor. “Our whitepaper provides concrete examples of how AI can drive growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. The UK cannot afford to lag behind in this critical area.” The whitepaper highlights several case studies demonstrating the positive impact of AI on businesses: British Gas’ Dyno-Rod: AI helped to halve the number of service calls by improving understanding of customer journeys, providing franchise operations with 100% visibility. Pizza Hut (US): Restaurant Management Group, the fourth-largest US franchisee, used AI to reduce recruitment costs by $1 million and increase hires by 42%. Fourth (UK): The hospitality recruitment firm saw a 220% increase in candidate flow and a drastic reduction in cost-per-application within 30 days of implementing its AI-driven TalentTrack software. Taylor also expressed concern over the cultural differences between the US and UK in embracing new technologies.  “The US is leading the charge in AI adoption, while the UK remains overly focused on regulation. This whitepaper demonstrates that many fears surrounding AI are unfounded and that it can play a crucial role in driving the UK’s economic growth.” The whitepaper serves as a call to action for UK businesses to embrace AI as a vital tool for driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market. While it’s clear that businesses must adopt AI responsibly, the whitepaper should help to dispel fears of mass job losses. A copy of the whitepaper can be found here (registration required.) (Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman) See also: UK signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: adoption, ai, artificial intelligence, careers, enterprise, ethics, jobs, regulation, report, research, Society, study, whitepaper Source link

Just three months after its inception, Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a new AI startup founded by OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, has raised $1 billion in funding. Led by venture capital firms Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz, the latest investment round values the company at approximately $5 billion, according to a Financial Times report. Sutskever, who left OpenAI in May this year following a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman, established SSI to develop ‘safe’ AI models. The company’s mission is to create AI systems that are both highly capable and aligned with human interests. ‘We’ve identified a new mountain to climb that is slightly different from what I was working on previously. We’re not trying to go down the same path faster. If you do something different, it becomes possible for you to do something special, Sutskever told the Financial Times. The substantial funding will be used to acquire computing resources necessary for AI model development and to expand SSI’s current team of 10 employees. The company actively recruits and offers positions in Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, Israel. With its focus on safety and alignment, SSI’s approach differs from that of other AI companies. Take firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI, which are all developing AI models for various consumer and business applications. SSI, on the other hand, is focusing solely on creating what it calls a ‘straight shot to safe superintelligence’. Daniel Gross, SSI’s chief executive, emphasised the importance of this focused approach in a statement to Reuters: “It’s important for us to be surrounded by investors who understand, respect and support our mission, which is to make a straight shot to safe superintelligence and in particular to spend a couple of years doing R&D on our product before bringing it to market.” It is also interesting to point out that despite not having a product yet, the company’s significant valuation and funding highlight the intense interest and investment in safe AI research. This is amid growing concerns about the potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems. Even Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI was reportedly due to disagreements over the company’s direction and the pace of AI development. At OpenAI, he led the ‘alignment’ team, which focused on ensuring that advanced AI systems would act in humanity’s best interests. What is clear, however, is that the formation of SSI and its rapid funding success reflect a broader trend in the AI industry towards addressing safety concerns alongside capability advancements. This approach aligns with calls from AI researchers and ethicists for more responsible development of artificial intelligence. Today, SSI joins a competitive field of well-funded AI companies. OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise funds at a valuation exceeding $100 billion, while Anthropic and xAI were recently valued at around $20 billion. However, the crowded market did not dim SSI’s unique focus on safety or its high-profile founding team, both of which have clearly resonated with investors.  “We are assembling a lean, cracked team of the world’s best engineers and researchers dedicated to focusing on SSI and nothing else. We offer an opportunity to do your life’s work and help solve our age’s most important technical challenge,” the company’s website states. For now, the company’s progress will be closely watched by both the tech industry and those concerned with the ethical implications of AI development. See also: OpenAI hit by leadership exodus as three key figures depart Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here. Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, ethics Source link