Here is my top trending stories from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Snapchat’s My AI Chatbot goes out of control, posting stories on its own
In a major embarrassment for Snapchat, its AI assistant My AI on Wednesday started posting stories on its own on some user’s news feeds. Most of the stories constituted of a single long image of a two-tone gradient. When the users enquired My AI about the story, it mostly ignored the question and did not respond. Snapchat has confirmed that a minor technical glitch may have forced its AI chatbot to behave abnormally. However, Snapchat users are not keeping quiet. They have taken to social media to question platform’s security and the possibility that its AI chatbot could be accessing its personal information without their consent.
2)
New York city imposes ban on TikTok app on government devices
New York City’s Cyber Command on Wednesday announced that it is banning the use of TikTok on all smart phones and devices owned by the government agencies. Citing that the TikTok app posed a security threat to the city’s technical networks, it has given all government agencies 30 days to remove the app from their devices. Furthermore, it won’t allow them to download TikTok app on government owned devices. TikTok app has become a major bone of contention for the U.S. government due to its connection with Chinese company ByteDance. The U.S. strongly suspects that the TikTok app is spying on its citizens and politicians on behalf of the Chinese government.
3)
OpenAI makes its first acquisition, buys Global Illumination
ChatGPT creator OpenAI has made its first-ever acquisition in its seven-year history. It has acquired Global Illumination, an AI design studio based in the New York City. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Global Illumination basically leverages the power of AI to build creative tools, infrastructure, and digital experiences. The acquisition of Global Illumination is clearly a sign of OpenAI’s growing ambition. After spending nearly $540 Mn on ChatGPT last year alone, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman is now facing pressure from investors to show some good revenue numbers. Making smart acquisitions and poaching talent is surely one way to achieve this.
4)
Google is testing an AI assistant that can turn into your life mentor
Google’s artificial intelligence division DeepMind is testing an AI assistant that can turn your life coach, giving you advice on your career and relationships. Google is training the AI assistant by capitalizing large dataset of text and code as well as by learning from the interactions it has with users. However, Google is being too over-cautious about developing this AI assistant, knowing very well the potential risk that it may cause for its users. Some experts warn that users may experience “diminished health and well-being” if they choose to become too over-dependent on AI for life advices. Google has still not announced when it plans to launch this product in public domain.
5)
PayPal is stopping crypto sales in U.K
PayPal has announced that it is temporarily halting the sale of cryptocurrencies to U.K customers on its platform. This is in response to new set of rules brought forth by U. K’s financial regulator that makes it mandatory for crypto firms to make additional disclosure before selling cryptos to customers. PayPal said it is still committed to adhere to the new rules but did not give exact timeline about when it plans to resume crypto sale in the country. World over the crypto industry is facing relentless pressure to become more transparent and comply with government rules.