Humans must stay in control of AI, European trade union chief warns

European trade union chief Esther Lynch has called for regulations to ensure humans remain in control as AI technology advances rapidly. Lynch warns against a scenario where workers are subject to the will of machines, emphasizing the need for the “human-in-control principle.” She highlights the importance of involving workers and their unions in the introduction of AI to ensure better outcomes. Wealth division, rising prices, and inflation will also be key topics discussed at the four-day ETUC Congress in Berlin.

Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok

Montana has become the first U.S. state to ban TikTok, with the law set to take effect next year. The ban, signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte, will be a test for a potential national ban on the Chinese-owned app. The move is expected to face legal challenges and has been criticized for infringing on free speech rights. TikTok has been accused of being a tool for Chinese espionage, allegations the company denies.

ChatGPT’s Altman pleads US Senate for AI rules

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the need for regulation of artificial intelligence during his testimony before US lawmakers. He highlighted the real and present nature of AI technologies and urged Congress to impose new rules on big tech. Altman suggested a combination of licensing, testing, and increased global coordination in regulating AI, along with the creation of a dedicated US agency. Lawmakers discussed the EU’s AI Act and the importance of transparency measures for generative AI systems like ChatGPT and DALL-E. Experts cautioned that AI technology is still in its early stages and called for thoughtful and nuanced regulation based on the specific impacts of different AI applications.

Sam Altman: the quick, deep thinker leading OpenAI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, an influential figure in Silicon Valley, has emerged as a tech titan in the AI age. Altman testified to the US Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence. With a background in startups and a focus on AI, Altman envisions a future where technology creates wealth and policy ensures fair distribution, leading to a society where everyone has enough. Despite his success, Altman remains grounded, dressing casually and emphasizing the positive advancements in the world.

TikTok parent to ‘vigorously’ fight former US exec allegations

Chinese company ByteDance, owner of TikTok, plans to fight allegations that it fired an executive for exposing its “culture of lawlessness.” Yintao Yu filed a lawsuit claiming ByteDance stole videos from rival platforms, but the company denies the allegations. Critics argue that TikTok allows Beijing to collect user data and manipulate opinions, a claim ByteDance refutes. The issue of data access has raised concerns among US authorities, but TikTok insists that user data is stored only on US-based servers.

Elon Musk says new Twitter chief has been hired

Elon Musk has announced that he has hired a new CEO to replace him at Twitter and its parent company, X Corporation. Musk’s running of Twitter has faced criticism, and he plans to transition to the role of executive chair and chief technology officer. The move comes after an unscientific Twitter poll in which the majority voted for Musk to step down as CEO.

European Parliament votes on curbs for ChatGPT and other AI

EU lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday on restrictions for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the European Union. The vote follows efforts to create a law that regulates AI usage while promoting innovation and preventing abuses. The EU aims to become a global leader in AI regulation and has been spurred to action by the emergence of AI applications like ChatGPT and Midjourney. The legislation would define “high-risk” AI activities, ensure human control, and establish supervising authorities in each member state. Prohibitions on certain AI applications, such as emotion recognition and mass surveillance, are also being considered.

Google answers ChatGPT challenge with Bard expansion

Google announced the launch of Bard, a competitor to Microsoft’s ChatGPT, in 180 countries. The company aims to integrate generative AI into its core products, including search. Google’s expansion follows Microsoft’s push into AI despite concerns about its societal impact and job displacement.

Austria bans TikTok on government work phones

Austria announced a ban on TikTok for federal employees’ work phones, citing security concerns. The decision follows advice from intelligence services and ministry experts. Several other countries, including the US, UK, Australia, France, and the Netherlands, have also taken similar measures. TikTok has been scrutinized due to its Chinese ownership and concerns about data privacy and national security.

Japan okays GPS tracking for bail after Ghosn case

Japan has passed a law allowing courts to use GPS tracking on defendants out on bail, a response to the high-profile escape of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in 2019. The revised law enables courts to order GPS devices to be placed on defendants to prevent them from fleeing the country. Violations may result in detention or imprisonment of up to a year. The measure aims to address security concerns and prevent international bail-jumping.