Who is Zico Kolter? A professor leads OpenAI safety panel with power to halt unsafe AI releases
Zico Kolter leads a panel that can stop OpenAI from releasing new AI systems if they're deemed unsafe. The computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University first took on the oversight role last year. But Kolter's role gained importance last week when California and Delaware regulators made his oversight crucial for OpenAI's new business structure. The researcher spoke with The Associated Press about OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee and some of the concerns they will be considering in the coming months and years. AI safety watchdogs are watching closely.
AI song generator Udio offers brief window for downloads after Universal settlement upsets users
Udio, an AI song generation platform, has announced a 48-hour window starting Monday for users to download their songs. This move comes as the company shifts to a new business model following a legal settlement with Universal Music over copyright infringement claims. Last week, a tech industry lobby group urged federal intervention in AI copyright lawsuits, citing over 50 pending cases. Udio and Universal plan to launch a new streaming platform. The settlement marks the first in the music industry since major labels sued Udio and another AI song generator last year.
Flight delays persist as government shutdown leads to air traffic controller shortages
Flight delays are continuing at U.S. airports amid air traffic controller shortages as the government shutdown enters its second month. Newark airport in New Jersey was experiencing delays of two to three hours on Sunday. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago O’Hare were also seeing dozens of delays and one or two cancellations. Other delays were being reported at major airports in Los Angeles and Miami.
China says it will work with US to resolve issues related to TikTok
China's Commerce Ministry says Beijing will work with the Trump administration to resolve issues related to TokTok's ownership. The ministry made the announcement Thursday after President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The Trump administration had been signaling that it might have reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the U.S. But no deal was announced, though Trump said after meeting Xi in South Korea that he had an “amazing” meeting that produced an “outstanding group of decisions.” An agreement would end months of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the U.S.
Universal Music and AI song tool Udio settle lawsuit and partner on new platform, sparking backlash
LONDON (AP) — Universal Music Group and AI platform Udio have settled a copyright lawsuit and will collaborate on a new music creation and streaming platform. The companies announced on Wednesday that they reached a compensatory legal settlement and new licensing agreements. These agreements aim to provide more revenue opportunities for Universal's artists and songwriters. The rise of AI song generation tools like Udio has disrupted the music streaming industry, leading to accusations from record labels. This deal marks the first since Universal and others sued Udio and Suno last year. Financial terms of the settlement weren't disclosed.
How tiny drones inspired by bats could save lives in dark and stormy conditions
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing tiny drones inspired by bats for search and rescue missions. The aerial robots use echolocation, like bats, to navigate in dark and challenging conditions. Assistant professor Nitin Sanket and his team aim to create small, affordable, and energy-efficient drones that can operate where and when current drones can't. While drones are becoming more common in search and rescue, Sanket and researchers elsewhere want to move beyond the manually operated individual robots being used today. They're exploring how to create autonomous drones that can be deployed in swarms.
Disney pulls ABC, ESPN and more from YouTube TV as talks break down
YouTube TV viewers have lost access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after contract talks broke down. Other channels like the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo have also disappeared. YouTube TV announced Thursday that Disney followed through on a threat to suspend its content during negotiations. YouTube claims Disney used the blackout threat to push for higher prices, benefiting its own streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. YouTube TV expressed disappointment and urged Disney to work towards a fair agreement. Subscribers will receive a $20 credit if Disney content remains unavailable for a long time.
Fast chargers are expanding quickly, but American EV drivers still fear running out of juice
KENT, Conn. (AP) — A new poll finds that many Americans remain hesitant to buy electric vehicles. The AP-NORC/EPIC poll found only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults say they would be highly likely to buy one the next time they purchase a new vehicle. Four in 10 cite concerns about vehicles' range and charging time as a major reason to hesitate. That's in spite of the fact that 12,000 fast charging ports have been added close to highways and interstates just this year, according to an Associated Press analysis.
Nvidia partners with South Korean government, companies to boost AI development
GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) — Silicon Valley chipmaker Nvidia plans to supply its graphics processing units for projects with the South Korean businesses and government to advance the country’s artificial intelligence infrastructure and technologies. The government and companies announced the plan after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Friday with Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang. He has gotten a rockstar treatment reminiscent of Apple's Steve Jobs since arriving in South Korea on Thursday to attend meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju. As APEC host, South Korea has used the gathering of world leaders to showcase its ambitions in AI.
Mistake-filled legal briefs show the limits of relying on AI tools at work
NEW YORK (AP) — Judges around the world are seeing error-riddled legal briefs that were generated with the help of artificial intelligence. A data scientist and lawyer has catalogued at least 490 filings in the past six months that contained false or misleading information from AI responses. His database is a cautionary tale for people learning to use AI tools at work. With many employers wanting workers to employ the technology, it's not just the legal profession that needs to be aware of the possible foibles. Legal and workplace experts suggest treating AI as an assistant whose work needs to be checked. They say users also need to be aware of privacy concerns.
