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.
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.
Why World Cup game balls always make their way back onto the pitch during matches
ATLANTA (AP) — Game balls for World Cup matches have become stars in their own right during the tournament. The ball has made headlines with its embedded technology and raised questions among fans, including: Why is everyone expected to promptly toss the ball back onto the pitch? It’s a question more out of curiosity than an outcry for change. Catching a baseball in the stands during a game and taking the souvenir home is one of the cherished traditions of America's favorite pastime. FIFA requires that any ball leaving the field be returned. Soccer historian Charles Cuttone explains that this has always been the norm, partly due to the ball's cost and technology. Despite the technology, some fans feel they should keep the ball, especially after spending heavily on attending the event.
YouTube defends video that falsely claims Sydney massacre survivor is 'crisis actor'
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A Google executive has told an inquiry that a YouTube video that falsely claims a wounded survivor of an antisemitic massacre in Sydney is a crisis actor blooded with makeup met the platform’s standards and would remain online. Google Australia manager Rachel Lord was testifying at a government inquiry on Tuesday into the spread of antisemitism in Australia including an attack by two gunmen on a Sydney Hanukkah celebration in December that left 15 dead. Lord was questioned about a complaint made by survivor Arsen Ostrovsky about a video posted on YouTube that falsely suggested he had used makeup to fake the head injury he received when he was shot. Ostrovsky told the inquiry last month that he had been targeted by online hate, abuse, vilification and AI manipulation.
VR and gaming are adding a kick to taekwondo
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Virtual taekwondo is gaining popularity as a structured competitive discipline in Southeast Asia. Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Refract Technologies, the sport combines VR technology with traditional techniques to woo tech-savvy young players. Athletes wear VR headsets and motion sensors to control avatars in noncontact matches. Unlike conventional taekwondo, virtual matches aren't separated by age, weight, or gender. Once unfamiliar and experimental, the sport will make its debut at this year's Asian Games in Japan. Coaches and players say it reshapes perceptions of martial arts and gaming.
Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, including many at Xbox in a 'reset' of its gaming division
REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft has announced it is cutting 4,800 jobs, including many in its Xbox division. This represents about 2.1% of its global workforce. The layoffs include 1,600 Xbox workers, with more expected this year. The move is part of a broader reorganization to "reset" Xbox amid increased competition. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who took over earlier this year, said the business is not healthy. She noted that Xbox is operating at margins significantly lower than its competitors. Sharma also highlighted that the industry is facing a severe hardware crisis.
Ukrainian midrange drones reshape the battlefield by targeting Russian supply lines
KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian pilots are using midrange drones to disrupt Russian supply lines. From a command post in Kharkiv, they target roads and logistics deep behind enemy lines. This strategy aims to cut off supplies like food and ammunition to Russian troops. The drones equipped with Starlink satellite communications fill the gap between front-line and long-range strike capabilities. Ukraine’s success increased after SpaceX blocked unauthorized Russian access to Starlink. Ukrainian commanders say the impact has been significant, slowing Russian advances. Russia is trying to counter with mobile fire groups and electronic warfare, but Ukraine’s campaign has kept them on the back foot.
