Apple files lawsuit accusing ChatGPT maker OpenAI of stealing trade secrets
Apple on Friday accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets as it seeks to build its own hardware for ChatGPT. This is a major rupture in a partnership between the iPhone maker and the artificial intelligence company. Apple said in the lawsuit filed in a California federal court that the theft of its trade secrets was part of a “coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level” by OpenAI. Two former Apple employees who now work for OpenAI are also named as defendants. OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Japan's space agency conducts first test flight for experimental reusable rocket
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has conducted a first test flight for its reusable rocket. The flight on Saturday comes as the country seeks to achieve the technology key to lower launch costs to compete in the global space market dominated by SpaceX. The flight is a step forward for Japan in achieving the technology needed to develop a lower cost successor to the country’s current mainstay, single-use H3 series. Saturday’s test came one day after China's state media reported the achievement of its first successful recovery of the first stage of a rocket after a liftoff.
Meta appeals landmark jury verdict that found it to blame for social media addiction for young users
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is appealing the verdict of a landmark social media addiction lawsuit in Los Angeles. The appeal seeks to challenge the jury’s determination that the company designed its platforms to hook young users without concern for their well-being. Lawyers representing Meta filed a notice of appeal, which kicks off what can be a lengthy process. The case centered on a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to social media as a child, which exacerbated her mental health struggles. The jury found both Meta and Google-owned YouTube liable and awarded the woman $6 million in total damages.
Erling Haaland is Norway's World Cup machine — and the internet's 'babygirl'
Erling Haaland has become a social media sensation during the World Cup. Known for his towering presence and impressive skills, the Norwegian player has scored seven goals in four matches. Fans have embraced his quirky online persona, dubbing him “babygirl” and “princess” due to his endearing qualities. Haaland's playful social media presence includes cheeky selfies and vlogs and has attracted a wide audience beyond soccer enthusiasts. This phenomenon highlights the growing trend of athletes as pop culture figures, with fans forming parasocial relationships. Haaland's fame is part of a larger cultural shift where sports figures engage directly with fans online.
News outlets urge a judge to sanction OpenAI in a high-stakes AI copyright fight
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Times, the Daily News and other media outlets are asking a federal judge to impose sanctions on OpenAI, escalating a legal fight over artificial intelligence and copyright that could shape the future of a struggling news industry. The newspapers allege the ChatGPT maker is hiding evidence important to what could be a landmark copyright infringement trial over how OpenAI and its business partner Microsoft built their AI technologies using millions of news articles. At issue is whether AI chatbots are unfairly competing as an information source, siphoning off web traffic without doing the journalistic work it took to gather the news.
AI notetakers promise easy meeting recaps, but some professionals question their use
NEW YORK (AP) — AI notetakers can quickly summarize meetings and create to-do lists, but they raise privacy concerns. Everything said in a meeting becomes data, which could include confidential information. Attorney Justin Daniels warns that this could compromise attorney-client privilege. Many professionals worry about data being shared with third parties or used to train AI models. Privacy advocates are also concerned about biometric profiles being created without consent. Experts suggest checking for AI notetakers in meetings and understanding where data is stored. Some recommend not allowing AI notetakers in sensitive meetings to protect privacy.
China blocks exports of helium, key for chipmaking, as Iran war squeezes supply
HONG KONG (AP) — China is temporarily blocking helium exports, a key element for chipmaking, as the Iran war's escalation disrupts global supply. China's commerce ministry and customs agency announced the ban Friday, citing the Foreign Trade Law. Helium is crucial for semiconductor manufacturing and medical uses like MRI cooling. Since the Iran war began in late February, helium supply has been disrupted and prices have risen. China produces about 15% of its helium, importing much from Qatar. The move aims to protect local industries amid tight global supply, as China boosts self-sufficiency in chipmaking and AI.
Meta plans billions for first AI data center in Canada, largest outside the US
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Facebook and Instagram parent Meta said Wednesday it will invest more than 13 billion Canadian dollars ($9.1 billion) to build its first artificial intelligence data center in Canada and its largest outside the United States. The facility will be built in Sturgeon County, Alberta, and powered by a natural gas-fired plant being developed by a consortium that includes Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Ltd. Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish called the project “a big deal for Alberta,” saying the province had created a regulatory framework to attract data center investment.
Technology is driving an increase in attacks and threats to the UK, senior officials say
LONDON (AP) — Senior British policing officials say technology and online platforms are increasingly being exploited for threats to the United Kingdom. Vicki Evans from the Metropolitan Police says British police are in a “continual battle” against online threats and that police need help from technology companies to deal with the threats. Islamist extremism remains the biggest threat, but extreme right-wing threats and hostile state activities have grown significantly over the past five years. Laurence Taylor, head of counterterrorism police, says the threat landscape is large, complex and constantly changing, especially with online radicalization and recruitment. Evans and Taylor spoke to journalists at New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police headquarters.
Polymarket is in a high-stakes race to win back trust as it recommits to the US market
NEW YORK (AP) — After four years in exile, the prediction market platform Polymarket has begun a well-funded campaign to sell a new version of itself to the American public. The prediction market platform is trying to convince regulators and customers that its U.S. operation is more disciplined than its offshore counterpart. Polymarket has hired compliance and regulatory specialists from firms like Robinhood and Coinbase to support this effort. The company left the U.S. when it settled allegations of operating an unregistered derivatives market with federal regulators in 2022. Despite challenges, including deceptive marketing claims, Polymarket aims to establish trust and legitimacy in the U.S. market.
