Future data centers are driving up forecasts for energy demand. States want proof they'll get built
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Utilities are producing eye-popping forecasts about the amount of electricity they'll need to power massive new data centers that are feeding the fast-growing AI economy. But the forecasts are setting off alarm bells about whether they can be trusted. One question is whether utilities are counting speculative data center projects that may never get built. Some worry regular ratepayers could be stuck with paying for unnecessary power plants. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission wants to know how grid operators determine that a project is viable, while states are trying to find out what's in utilities' forecasts and weed out speculative projects.
Anthropic warns of AI-driven hacking campaign linked to China
WASHINGTON (AP) — Researchers at an artificial intelligence firm say they've found the first reported case of foreign hackers using AI to automate portions of cyberattacks. Anthropic says it identified a hacking operation that used its own AI program to direct some of the work. The researchers linked the work to the Chinese government and said that AI's potential can be exploited by foreign hackers looking for ways to boost their effectiveness. The campaign was identified in September and Anthropic says the hacking campaign was modest in scope and had limited success before they identified it.
Cities and states are turning to AI to improve road safety
Cities and states in the U.S. are turning to AI to improve road safety. Hawaii is distributing 1,000 dashboard cameras to monitor road conditions and reduce traffic fatalities. San Jose, California, has reported a 97% success rate in identifying potholes using cameras on street sweepers. Texas is using AI to analyze road conditions and identify outdated street signs. Florida and Michigan are also leveraging AI for road safety improvements. These efforts aim to address infrastructure issues and prepare roads for autonomous vehicles, highlighting the growing role of technology in transportation safety.
One Tech Tip: iPhone users can now add US passport info to their digital wallets
iPhone users can now add their U.S. passport details to Apple Wallet. Apple introduced the "Digital ID" system on Wednesday, allowing passport information to be scanned at airport readers if travelers don't have a Real ID. The feature is in beta at TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel. However, it doesn't replace a physical passport for international travel. Users can add their passport by scanning it and verifying their identity with a selfie. Apple ensures data is encrypted and stored on the device, with face or fingerprint scans required for access.
Cash App's Moneybot might know your spending habits better than you do
NEW YORK (AP) — Cash App has introduced Moneybot, a new financial services chatbot that will be integrated into its banking app this winter. Unlike traditional banking chatbots, Moneybot can perform advanced actions like creating savings plans, buying or selling stock, and evaluating spending habits. This marks a shift towards agentic AI, where chatbots perform tasks on behalf of users. While banks have been cautious about adopting such technology due to liability concerns, Cash App is diving in. MoneyBot analyzes customer transactions and offers personalized recommendations. However, legal and privacy questions remain, especially regarding potential biases in its suggestions.
Anthropic, Microsoft announce new AI data center projects as industry's construction push continues
Anthropic has announced a $50 billion investment in computing infrastructure, including new data centers in Texas and New York. Microsoft also announced a new data center in Atlanta, Georgia, connected to another in Wisconsin, forming a massive supercomputer. These moves highlight the tech industry's push to build energy-hungry AI infrastructure despite financial and environmental concerns. Anthropic is working with Fluidstack on these projects. The tech industry's spending on AI infrastructure has raised concerns about a potential investment bubble, but Anthropic says it plans to focus on cost-effective growth.
AT&T reached a $177M data breach settlement. What consumers should know about claiming their money
NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T has reached a combined $177 million settlement over two data breaches. And impacted consumers have a little over a month left to file a claim for their chunk of the money. Several lawsuits emerged across the U.S. — and were later consolidated — after AT&T notified millions of customers that information ranging from Social Security numbers to call records was compromised in these breaches last year. Plaintiffs alleged that the telecommunications giant “repeatedly failed” to protect consumer data. While AT&T has continued to deny wrongdoing, it opted to settle earlier this year. The deadline to submit a claim is Dec. 18.
Disney reaches new deal with YouTube TV, ending a blackout that lasted over two weeks
NEW YORK (AP) — Disney and YouTube TV have reached a new deal to bring channels like ABC and ESPN back to the Google-owned livestreaming platform. The agreement ends a blackout for customers that dragged on for about two weeks. Both sides say that restoration has already begun. Disney content went dark on YouTube TV the night of Oct. 30 after the two sides failed to reach a new licensing deal. YouTube TV subscribers were left without Disney channels on the platform — notably disrupting coverage of top college football matchups and professional sports games, among other news and entertainment offerings. Other Disney-owned content removed from YouTube TV included channels like NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network and more.
EU investigates Google over concerns content is unfairly demoted in search results
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union regulators are investigating Google for allegedly demoting media publishers' content in search results. The EU aims to ensure Google's policies are fair and comply with the Digital Markets Act. Google defends its policy as a measure to protect users from scams and low-quality content. The investigation could lead to significant fines for Google, adding to previous penalties from the EU. The inquiry must conclude within 12 months and could result in fines or even the dismantling of parts of Google's business. This is part of the EU's ongoing battle with Big Tech.
Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey partner with ElevenLabs for AI voice cloning
NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-winning actors Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey have partnered with voice-cloning company ElevenLabs. Caine says the technology celebrates humanity by amplifying voices, not replacing them. McConaughey, who is also investing in the startup, plans to use the technology to voice his newsletter in Spanish. ElevenLabs, founded in 2022, initially developed its AI for dubbing audio in different languages for movies and games. ElevenLabs has previously had to tamp down on misuse, including a digital consultant mimicking President Joe Biden's voice. ElevenLabs says it now has measures to prevent unauthorized cloning of celebrity voices.
